Explore Enniskillen and the lakes beyond

Fuel your day with breakfast at The Jolly Sandwich Bar, a family-run café serving up homemade breakfast and brunch options, including fluffy buttermilk pancakes and a huge “breakfast burger”. Fancy something simple? Treat yourself to a cheesy toastie at The Toastery; you are on holidays, after all!

Then, head straight for the main attraction in town – Enniskillen Castle. Picturesquely situated on the banks of the River Erne, this castle fortress has been standing for centuries. Today, it’s home to not one but two intriguing museums. Fermanagh County Museum is brimming with galleries charting the history of settlers in County Fermanagh, from ancient dwellers and medieval pilgrims through to the modern day. The Inniskillings Museum, also at the castle, focuses on military history and is home to army vehicles, weapons and other battlefield curios.

If one castle isn’t enough to sate your historical cravings, you can walk or cycle the scenic 4.5km Castle to Castle route to Castle Coole. The trail takes you through leafy suburbs to Castle Coole Estate, a grand woodland park with a magnificent 18th century mansion at its centre. If you love shows like Downtown Abbey and Bridgerton, then a tour of the house is a must. You’ll learn about the Earls of Belmore and their servants who once called the place home.

In the afternoon, head back into town to shop and get lunch at The Buttermarket, a restored 19th century dairy market that now houses various art, craft and design shops. From local pottery and handmade jewellery to original art, this is the ideal spot to pick up a few Enniskillen souvenirs from local traders. Stop into Rebecca’s Coffee Shop for a bite to eat, where sandwiches, salads and homemade cakes are all on the menu – yum!

Away from the market, The Street Kitchen is the place to go if you’re hungry at lunchtime. Irish boxty potato with sugar-pitted bacon loin is a local favourite here, but you could also choose a fish taco, an onion bhaji or an aromatic Thai broth from the eclectic menu. Decisions, decisions...

In the evening, why not take in a show at the beautiful Ardhowen Theatre on the outskirts of town? The pretty glass-fronted building is scenically located by the shores of the River Erne. The year-round programme offers a wide selection of plays, music gigs, comedy performances and more.

Whether you’re going for an early-bird dinner before a show or a late-night feast afterwards, Enniskillen has got you covered. The Firehouse is one of the most popular bar and grill restaurants in town. Steak, sea bass, tofu kebab... there’s something for everyone on the menu. Franco’s is another good shout. This Italian restaurant serves up a massive range of pizzas alongside local dishes such as baked oysters and colcannon.

Round off your first day in Enniskillen with a little nightcap at one of the many fine establishments in town. Blakes of the Hollow should be top of your list. The Victorian bar at the front has remained practically unchanged since it opened in 1887. Upstairs, the Atrium bar follows the lead of Lough Erne with upper and lower sections, and it bangs out live traditional Irish music every Saturday night. Above that is Level 7, a club area where you can party into the wee hours.

Crowe’s Nest is another lively local bar. It serves hearty pub grub all day, has a fine selection of beers on tap, and it also has a nightclub on its top level. So you could easily make this your one-stop shop for a fun night out in Enniskillen!

Try The Bees Knees Café for a traditional full Irish breakfast or a simple bowl of porridge, then head for the glittering waters of Lower Lough Erne.

Your first stop is Devenish Island. The island is only accessible by water, so you can find a range of water transport options here. Gliding along the lake with the wind in your hair is a simple joy, but the real treats await on the island. The monastic settlement on Devenish was founded by St Molaise in the 6th century. However, the church ruins, round tower and gravestones you can see today date from the Middle Ages.

Following in the footsteps of the Early Christian monks and scholars who lived here is a truly magical experience, whether you’re a person of faith or not. The stunning ruins and lake views alone are more than worth the boat trip.

After your island escapades on Devenish, you’ll be ravenous for lunch! Here, we suggest two options. Go all out amid the five-star surroundings of Lough Erne Resort, or head further north to the charming town of Belleek. If you want to pack in as much as you can, then stop by both.

Lough Erne Resort is a hotel, spa and golf resort that bills itself as “a world apart” and it really is. There are three restaurants, all of which elevate local produce to sumptuous heights. You can even opt for an elegant Afternoon Tea, which comes complete with freshly baked scones, sandwiches and delicate sweet treats. If it’s an exquisite afternoon you seek, then look no further.

Belleek will have to go some to match that! Luckily, it’s quite the charming town. Famous for Belleek pottery, which dates back to 1857, a visit to the Belleek Visitor Centre is the top thing to do here. For lunch, go to The Lemon Tree Coffee House where seasonal soups and salads are on offer. The Thatch Coffee Shop is another tasty option that serves homemade goods and speciality coffee that will keep you going for the rest of the day. The cute shopfront – complete with traditional thatched roof – is an ideal photo opportunity, too.

From Belleek, head east along the northern shores of Lower Lough Erne to Boa Island. Helpfully, a road runs right through the centre of the island, linking it to the mainland at either end, so there’s no need to hire a boat to get here. Boa is famed for the enigmatic stone figures found in the cemetery here. They’re called Janus figures, as they have two faces much like the Roman deity Janus. But given their location, they are believed to represent an ancient Celtic goddess.

These strange statues have beguiled visitors to the island over the years, and many who make the journey here like to leave a small memento by the carvings for good luck. What would you leave by their side?

By now, it’ll be time to head back to Enniskillen to relax and refresh before another night out in the buzzing island town!

What do you fancy eating for dinner tonight? The Horseshoe and Saddlers has two names for a reason. The Horseshoe is a traditional Irish pub offering bar favourites like scampi and chips, while Saddlers is a bistro and wine bar providing a more fine-dining experience. Barbary duck breast and rump of Irish lamb are excellent main course options.

For something completely different, try Dollakis, a Greek restaurant where spit-roasted gyros and moussaka are just two of the traditional dishes you can devour.

Afterwards, head for a pint in Charlie’s Bar, a third-generation family-run pub that’s known for an excellent pint of Guinness. If you’re going to sample “the black stuff” on your trip, this old-school joint is the place to do it. For a fancier tipple, M Lounge is the coolest cocktail bar in town. The bar staff here can craft all your cocktail favourites from an espresso martini to a margarita. Grab a booth under one of the huge chandeliers and sip the night away!

Grab breakfast from Gourmet Grocer in Enniskillen before making a bee-line for the lake. This brand-new outlet stocks freshly baked breads and fruit and it has a full deli section where you can order something hot to go. Pick up some items for a picnic lunch as well, but more on that later!

If you have a cruiser or intend on hiring a boat, Naan Island is one of the bigger islands to visit on Upper Lough Erne. There’s a public jetty here where boats can dock. This is a quiet and peaceful location where one can reconnect with nature. The islands of Lough Erne are all about slow travel adventures, and nowhere epitomises this more than tranquil Naan.

Next up, we have the Share Discovery Village, an action-packed adventure centre with both indoor and outdoor activities. On the water, you can go canoeing, sailing and there’s even a floating water park to enjoy! On land, archery, rock climbing and bushcraft are just some of the fun things you can do. If you want to inject some adrenaline-fuelled action into your vacation, you’ve come to the right place.

From the Share Discovery Village, it’s just a short jaunt by boat or car to Crom Estate, a 2,000-acre woodland teeming with butterflies and wild deer. The Old Crom Castle ruins are a highlight here. It’s a wonderful location to stop and have a picnic for lunch, so unpack the goodies you stocked up on in Enniskillen earlier in the day.

After lunch, there are ancient yew trees and wildlife walks to explore, before you make your way back to Enniskillen again for another memorable evening out.

So, where to for dinner tonight in Enniskillen? The Taphouse is a modern gastro-pub with a great selection of craft beers and ciders on tap. For food, try the short rib of beef or Molloy’s fish pie. We don’t know who Molloy is but she makes a damn fine dish!

Elsewhere, Tully Mill Restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem. Located just out of town on the edge of Florence Court Estate, the menu here is all about seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. From a bourbon-roasted belly of pork for starters to an orchard apple and walnut crumble for dessert, the food here is top-notch.

On your third night in Enniskillen, you may wish to skip the food and drink scene for something a little different. If so, the IMC Cinema in town makes for an entertaining evening out. Half a dozen screens show all the latest big screen releases. Popcorn, anyone?

For post-meal drinks, Magee’s Spirit Store is a busy bar where you can hear live music most nights of the week. While Devenish Bar boasts over 10 different pints on draught, so the only hard decision you’ll have there is which one to try first!

For a late-night bop, go to The Gasworks Club, a nightclub in the heart of town where you can boogie long into the night.

Just south of Enniskillen and Lough Erne you’ll find the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, an area of unspoilt natural beauty that’s a must-visit for lovers of the great outdoors. This nature haven is home to over 50 stunning sites, from Castle Saunderson and the Marble Arch Caves to Killykeen Forest Park.

But perhaps the standout attraction here is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, an 11km long walking route through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland. The final section of the trail includes steep steps up to a viewing platform, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Cuilcagh Mountain and the countryside beyond. This popular hike has been nicknamed “The Stairway to Heaven” for a reason, with visitors left wowed by the endless views on offer.

After the natural wonders of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, drive northwest for 50 minutes to the surfing hotspot of Bundoran on the Wild Atlantic Way. Why is this colourful seaside town renowned for surfing? Well, the wide variety of beaches along this stretch of County Donegal coastline suit all comers. Beginners can test the waters in sheltered coves, while more experienced surfers can opt for the open beaches where wilder Atlantic Ocean swells await!

Of course, you could just walk along the wonderful sandy beaches here instead, if balancing on a board atop a cresting wave isn’t your thing. The Fairy Bridges at Tullan Strand are a top sight to seek out on foot. The unique rock formations along the coast here feature blow holes through to the lapping waves below. It’s a scenic location for a selfie or group snap, but don’t linger too long; the bridges got their name from locals in the 1700s who believed this strange terrain was haunted by fairies!

For lunch, stop into The Salty Fox, a cute and colourful café with a large selection of sandwiches, salads and cakes on the menu. McGarrigles Restaurant is another popular local eatery offering seafood chowder, lamb shank and other Irish favourites.

After lunch, it’s only a 15-minute drive down the coast to Mullaghmore in County Sligo, our last stop of the day, and what a way to end the trip it is! Everywhere you look there are jaw-dropping sights to behold. Whether it’s the glittering waters around Mullaghmore Head, the striking Classiebawn Castle (which featured in Netflix’s The Crown) or the mighty Benbulben mountain on the horizon, this is a true WOW destination along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Why not take a refreshing dip in the sea, snap Classiebawn for the ’gram, then get up close to Benbulben? This famous peak which so inspired WB Yeats is a fitting place to end your holiday and reflect on a wonderful few days on and off the water in this special corner of the island of Ireland.