Take a subterranean boat trip through the watery show caves of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geo park. Taste the deliciously cool damp air as you are guided through underground rivers, secret winding passages and lofty chambers. This truly spectacular natural wonder is best experienced on hot sunny days from March to September.
The joys of Florence Court are obvious at any time, but in early autumn they are awesome. Enjoy kicking crisp leaves and searching for horse chestnuts, and if the rose bushes are still in bloom, you will catch their gentle perfume. Tour the mansion or explore the walled garden and pleasure grounds, and don’t miss the famous Florence Court yew tree.
Stay in Lough Erne Resort’s lakeside lodges where G8 world leaders laid their heads – it’s best to sleep with the curtains open and witness the morning light trickling across the lough. David Cameron went swimming in the lough and Barack Obama went to the gym. You can do the same or enjoy the deep relaxation of the spa, exquisite food, and golf on the Nick Faldo designed course.
Hire a cruiser for some island-hopping on the lakelands and you will never regret it. Devenish Island, White Island, Boa Island and Inish Corkish, home to Fermanagh’s Black Bacon, and another 150 islands can be all your own for a few hours or even overnight alone with nature. Or, let someone else steer: hop on board the Erne Water Taxi.
Set on the edge of the River Erne, Enniskillen Castle dominates it’s home town. The visitor experience brings to life the castle’s entire 600-year history, first as the Maguire family stronghold and on through to Fermanagh’s important role in World War II. There are two museums to explore, the Inniskillings Museum and Enniskillen Castle Museums.
The roof of a Finn Lough bubble dome is a 360-degree window to the night sky. Dazzling in the summer and so cosy in the longer autumnal nights, this is a magical stargazing experience. If you manage to leave the pod, the Finn Lough site includes a lovely restaurant, plus fishing, boats, tennis, walking trails and an indoor play area for children.
From the main forest drive there are lots of short walks signed to various points of interest. This includes views over Lower Lough Erne, and on a clear day the Sperrin Mountains and the west coast of Donegal.
On the shores of the Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh lies one of the most important nature conservation sites owned by the National Trust – Crom Estate.
There are many fine old buildings which enhance the landscape including the ruins of The Old Castle, Chrchton Tower and Crom Church. The 19th century castle is private and not open to the public.
Pack your picnic and walking boots and tackle the ‘heavenly’ walk at Cuilcagh Boardwalk (Legnabrocky Trail). Bring your camera to capture the amazing views of one of the most popular places to visit.
The country park boasts beautiful woodland and lough shore walks. There is also an insect garden and wildflower meadow. Castle Archdale was the main flying boat base from which they flew during WWII and this is highlighted in an exhibition within the centre entitled ‘Castle Archdale at War’.