Belleek China

What Waterford is to crystal, Belleek is to china.  On the eastern edge of Co. Fermanagh and Lower Lough Erne, the town of Belleek is the world famous home of Ireland's oldest pottery.  For more than 140 years, parian china has been created by hand.  The Belleek Visitors Centre is open seven days a week during the summer months and has guided tours Monday-Friday. 

Castle Coole &

Florence Court

Both are splendid, 18th century estates maintained by the National Trust. Castle Coole (pictured), 1.5 miles southeast of Enniskillen, is a beautifully restored neoclassical mansion with fine furnishings and plasterwork set in landscaped parkland with mature oak, woodland and a small lake.  In the Michelin Guide to Ireland, Castle Coole is given a three start (the highest) rating, and described as "probably the finest neoclassical house in Ireland." Florence Court, seat of the Earls of Enniskillen, has fine Rococo plasterwork, grounds overlooking surrounding mountains and a restored summer house and water powered sawmill.  At both sites, tours are conducted Sat. & Sun. 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. (last tour starts at 5:15 p.m.) 

Enniskillen Castle

The medieval castle stands on what was once the stronghold of the Maguires, the ruling family of Fermanagh until defeated by the English in the 17th Century.  Among other displays, there is a fascinating model of Devenish Island monastery and an audiovisual presentation on the Maguires and fall of Gaelic Ulster.  Hours:  Tues. to Fri. from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mon. & Sat. from 2 to 5.       

Marble Arch Caves

Near Florence Court, which is south of Enniskillen, are one of Europe's finest cave formations.  The Marble Arch Caves contain a bewildering variety of stalactites, winding passages, waterfalls, and rivers.  Tours last 75 minutes and a warm sweater is recommended.  The caves are open at 10 a.m., with the last tour at 4:30 p.m. (5:00 p.m. in July & Aug., tel. 01365-348855).  The caves may also be closed following heavy rains. 

Monea Castle

Following the Flight of the Earls in 1607, the English crown seized Irish lands in Ulster and granted large parcels to English and Scottish "planters" on the condition that they build settlements and provide strongholds loyal to the King.   Soon thereafter, plantation castles were built to govern and defend against a hostile native population.  While in ruins, Monea Castle, west of Enniskillen, is the largest and best preserved castle.

Ulster-American

Folk Park

Less than an hour drive from Enniskillen in Co. Tyrone, the folk park is an outdoor museum that tells the story of emigration to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries.   A truly unique folk park, one walks through old Ireland, continues to the docks of Belfast and a reconstruction of a 19th century sailing ship, arrives in America and ends in the Pennsylvania countryside.  Costumed craftsmen greet you as visit the houses and shops.  

White and Boa Islands

White Island is about the size of Devenish Island, close to the northern shore of Lower Lough Erne in Castle Archdale Bay.  It was the site of an early monastery, and is famous for its enigmatic statutes.   The statutes are lined in a row against the wall of the remains of a 12th century church and combine Christian symbols in a wild, other worldly pagan style.  Boa Island, accessible by car and pictured to the left, also has fascinating statutes.