Now that the summer is here and the kids are off school, the task is to keep everyone well entertained. The problem is that a lot of people do not have the time, money or resources to travel very far and a lot of the time we end up not straying too far from the house!
Well we think that this guide on what to do in Fermanagh this summer will be the inspiration needed to get out and have fun with your friends and family without having to board a plane or spend a fortune.
The Lakeland county has so many interesting attractions, fun activities and magnificent natural beauty out there for us all to explore, some more well-known than others. Here are some of our top things to do in Fermanagh in the summer time – enjoy!
Water Activities
With the vast amount of lakes and rivers spanning the length and breadth of Fermanagh, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of water sports to choose from!
This summer, why not get out on the lough when the weather is good and make a splash while learning new skills?
Some of the many thrilling water sports available include Windsurfing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Sailing, Banana Boating, Kayaking and Canoeing.
These fun water activities are available to people of all abilities and there are instructors on hand to teach your group the necessary skills and make sure that everyone is having a fantastic time.
Here at SHARE, we offer all of these activities to the public throughout the year and provide the perfect base to access and explore Upper Lough Erne with all its natural beauty.
Nature Walks
From Florencecourt to Irvinestown, Belleek to Newtownbutler, we are spoilt for choice of nature walks in the Erne County!
One of the most famous nature walks in Ireland is the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail, located on the Fermanagh and Cavan border. Also known as the Stairway to Heaven, the walk is approximately 7.4km from the start to the peak with the actual boardwalk being 1.6km in length.
The mountain is quite isolated and as you ascend you will notice the stunning wilderness and natural bog land that surrounds it. When most people think of what there is to do in Fermanagh, this trek is usually top of the list and it’s no surprise!
Photo credit: NI Explorer
Fermanagh is also home to 3 wonderful National Trust estates – Florencecourt House, Crom Estate and Castle Coole, all of which provide stunning nature walks.
Florencecourt House has 3 trails called the Red Trail (5.6 miles), Blue Trail (2.2 mils) and Bridle Trails (5.1 miles). These scenic walks will take you around the entire estate that is steeped in history where you will see the Mansion, Blacksmith’s Forge, Sawmill, Ice House and so much more! The Walled garden is one of the highlights of the estate where you can relax in the colourful surroundings filled with roses, Irish Apple Orchards and ponds.
Crom Estate in Newtownbutler is based on the shores of Upper Lough Erne and is brimming with wildlife, historic ruins and picturesque lakeside views. Deer, pine martins, squirrels, butterflies and birds of all sorts can regularly be seen as you explore the estate along with a huge variety of trees and plants, none more impressive than the ancient yew trees which are said to have been planted in the 19th century!
Castle Coole is located in Enniskillen, making it very centrally located and easily accessed. As you walk around Castle Coole you will be amazed by the beautiful trees and flowers that roam the countryside, the sound of birds singing and estate landmarks such as the Grand Yard, Ice House and Pump House. Take a break on a bench overlooking Lough Coole, peer out across the water and enjoy the relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of daily life!
Other amazing walks around Fermanagh include Lough Navar, Cladagh Glen and Castle Archdale to name but a few – we could go on all day!
Summer Schemes
For the younger generations looking for things to do in Fermanagh this summer, Summer Schemes are amongst the most popular options! With activities that suit people of all interests and abilities, from arts and crafts to outdoor climbing, it’s easy to see the attraction.
Here at SHARE, our ever popular Summer Schemes take place every week, Monday-Friday in July and August for 6-16 year olds. Most Summer Schemes work out cheaper than a week at childcare and each week is full of a variety of fun activities, while there are also skills weeks that include bush craft and sailing.
So if you’re looking to make friends, learn something new and have a thrilling time in the outdoors, this could be ideal for you!
Marble Arch Caves
Another one of Fermanagh’s most famous tourist attractions is the Marble Arch Caves. These series of jaw dropping, naturally formed, limestone caves near the village of Florencecourt were discovered in 1895 and are one of the most impressive show caves in Europe.
Throughout your tour of the caves you will notice the unique shine of the limestone all around you and get to discover the mysterious underworld and all its winding passages, chambers, waterfalls and rivers.
To many people the highlight of the tour is the relaxing boat journey but what we feel really makes this experience special is the well informed, fun and friendly staff who take the tours and keep you fascinated from start to finish.
If you are thinking of what to do in Fermanagh this Summer that is unique, fun and educational, the Marble Arch Caves ticks all the boxes.
Photo credit; fermanaghomagh.com
Fishing
Is there a more relaxing pass time than getting out on the lough in a boat with your friends or family while wetting a line and taking in the beauty that Fermanagh Lakelands has to offer?
Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing are all very popular across Fermanagh’s many lakes and rivers.
If you are hoping to catch some large pike then the best places to fish this summer are Upper Lough Erne, Kilfoyle reservoir near Roslea and Upper Lough MacNean.
The Watermill Lodge in Lisnaskea offer fishing trips on Upper Lough Erne where monster pike weighing up to 45lb’s can be caught!
Mill Lough in Belnaleck and the Navar Lakes near Derrygonnelly are some of the most popular locations to catch Rainbow and Brown Trout while some of the best fishing rivers in Fermanagh include the Ballinamallard River, where you can catch the occasional salmon, and the Colebrooke River, near Lisnaskea.
You certainly won’t be stuck for somewhere to fish in Fermanagh this summer!
Photo Credit: Fermanagh Lakelands
Conclusion – What to do in Fermanagh this Summer
It can be easy to think that you need to travel in the summer to have a fun and memorable time, but Fermanagh has so much to offer right on your doorstep that can be often overlooked.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of activities and attractions to explore for both young and old, girls and boys and for people with many different types of interests.
Not only is there so much to do in Fermanagh, but you will find that accommodation is often a lot more reasonably priced than a lot of other places throughout Ireland and Europe, plus you don’t have to pay extortionate fees for flights!
So next time you are thinking of what to do in Fermanagh this summer, hopefully you remember this and have a fun and activity-filled break with your friends or family.
Read more:
Check out our blog on the Best Outdoor Activities in Ireland!
