There’s an almost endless number of things to do in Fermanagh, if you plan your trip well.
On previous visits to the county, I’ve only taken the time to walk the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail, and I’ve missed out on places like the Marble Arch Caves and Lough Erne.
Below, I’m going to take you through a full guide on places to see in Fermanagh along with an ample number of things to keep you occupied during your visit.
14 Things to do in Fermanagh (at any time of the year)
Ready to rock?
Let’s get cracking!
1. Climb Cuilcagh Mountain – Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven
Photo © The Irish Road Trip
Often referred to as the ‘Stairway to Heaven Ireland‘, Cuilcagh Mountain is home to the now iconic boardwalk that has gone viral a million times over.
Those that fancy visiting can embark upon several walks up Cuilcagh Mountain, ranging from 2.5 to 6 hours long.
Well worth the visit.
2. Go underground at the Marble Arch Caves
The Marble Arch Caves are a series of natural limestone caves found near the village of Florencecourt.
Spanning around 11.5 kilometres in length, these caves are officially the longest known cave system in Northern Ireland.
The tour takes visitors on a handy walk down through the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve, before taking a short 10 minute underground boat journey and then a 1.5km walk through the showcave.
3. Live like a president for a night at Lough Erne
Spend a night flaked out in the swanky five-star Lough Erne Resort, where the likes of Obama, Putin and Merkel stayed for the G8 Summit.
According to reports, Putin swam in the lake while Obama spent time in the gym.
The hotel is set on a lush peninsula in the Fermanagh Lakelands, and boasts spectacular views throughout.
4. Head for a scenic walk (or a drive) around Navar Forest
Photo via Marble Arch Caves
The spectacular seven-mile drive through Navar Forest is easily one of the best things to do in Fermanagh.
Those that reach the car park at the top of the cliff will be treated to a magnificent view over Lough Erne, from Enniskillen out to Donegal and on to the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Get a post walk feed at the Watermill Restaurant
I was sold on this place the minute that I saw the thatch roof.
You’ll find the Watermill Restaurant a 10-minute drive from the village of Lisnaskea, finely placed for those looking to eat and relax on the shore of Lough Erne.
The honey roast pork sounds delish!
6. Walk off the food at Enniskillen Castle
Photo via Enniskillen Castle
Enniskillen Castle is, unsurprisingly enough, situated in Enniskillen and you’ll find it topping many guides on the best things to do in Fermanagh,
It was originally built wayyyyy back in the 16th century and it now houses the Fermanagh County Museum, the Regimental Museum of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.
I’ve no idea what a ‘Dragoon’ actually is (kind of sounds like a Scottish fellah saying ‘Dragon’…), but the reviews for this place are top notch.
7. Grab a haircut explore the golden age of steam travel at the same time
This is a very unique barbershop.
Many moons back the Johnston family’s decided to combine their barbering skills with their love of local railway history.
The result? The birth of the Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum.
The museum is home to one of the largest collections of Irish railway memorabilia in the country, and includes everything from uniforms to signalling instruments.
8. Sink a pint and geek out about Game of Thrones at the Blakes of the Hollow pub
Photo via Blakes of the Hollow on Facebook
Blakes of the Hollow is one of the most well-known Victorian pubs in Ireland.
You’ll find this traditional Irish pub on Church Street in Enniskillen, where it’s been keeping regulars and tourists alike refreshed for over 125 years.
Blakes of the Hollow recieved it’s fair share of press coverage back in 2016 when it became part of Tourism Ireland’s the ‘Door of Thrones’ Game of Thrones campaign, created in partnership with HBO.
The folks at Tourism Ireland used the wood from two trees at the Dark Hedges to make a series of 10 beautifully engraved doors, each one telling the story of the latest episode in season six.
9. Explore Lough Erne from the comfort of a chauffeur driven water taxi
Photo by Gardiner Mitchell via Tourism Ireland
This. Looks. Class!
Fancy exploring Lough Erne in style? Then hop on a covered 8-seater boat/water taxi.
You’ll leave from Enniskillen at the side of Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Leisure Centre and be taken through the history of Lough Erne by your tour guide.
A very alternative way to explore the area and great for anyone looking for things to do in Fermanagh with families with small children.
10. Take the ferry out to Devenish Island
Photo via Marble Arch Geo Park
Devenish Monastic Site was founded back in the 6th century by Saint Molaise, on one of Lough Erne’s many islands.
Devenish has had a pretty turbulant history.
It was raided by Vikings in 837AD and then set alight in 1157AD. It wasn’t until it became a parish church site and St. Mary’s Augustine Priory in the Middle Ages that it finally flourished.
- Devenish Island Ferry Service operates a ferry from from Trory Jetty (July to October)
- Public guided tours are also available with Erne Tours & Lady of the Lake.
11. Sleep under the stars at Finn Lough
Photo via Finn Lough
A night in one of the bubble domes in Finn Lough is definitely a unique way to spend the evening in Fermanagh.
Spend an evening exploring the county and then kick-back beneath a (hopefully) star-strewn sky at night.
12. Visit Tully Castle and learn about its dark past
Caisleán na Tulaí (meaning ‘Castle on the Hill’) is a castle in County Fermanagh on Blaney Bay, on the southern shore of Lough Erne.
Tully Castle was constructed for Sir John Hume, a Scottish planter, in 1619. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641, Rory Maguire set out to take back his family’s land from the Humes.
He arrived at Tully Castle with a large group of followers on Christmas Eve, and found the castle full of women and children. The Castle was surrendered, but on Christmas Day the Maguires killed 60 women and children and 15 men.
Related reads: Drop into our guides to the best Irish castles and the best castles in Northern Ireland.
13. Have a ramble around Castle Coole
Castle Coole is a Magnificent 18th-century mansion that’s set in a beautiful wooded landscape park.
This is another great one for anyone looking to get out, head for a stroll and gulp down lungfuls of fresh air.
Castle Coole is one of the finest examples of a Neo-classical house in Ireland. Visitors here will be given a glimpse into what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore.
14. Have a gawk at Monea Castle
Photo via Marble Arch Caves
The Plantation of Ulster took place during in the early 17th Century and was an attempt by the English to take control of the province of Ulster.
King James confiscated land and granted it to those that would settle in Ulster and support the crown.
Many of those that settled were English and Scottish and, unsurprisingly, they found themselves amongst a hostile native population.
So, they built defensive dwellings to keep out and defend themselves from the locals.
The biggest (and the best preserved) of the Plantation Castles in Fermanagh the one at Monea, which was built by 1618.
The Fermanagh Lakelands
Hungry for more? The video below gives you a taste of what you can expect from the Fermanagh Lakelands.
Wonderful waterways and stunning landscape collide to bring explorers a thoroughly memorable experience.
Are there other great things to do in Fermanagh that we missed?
Let me know where else you’d recommend visiting in the comments section below.
We’ll updated the guide with every great recommendation that checks out.
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Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Gina
Tuesday 25th of May 2021
Super recommendations and a great read :)
Bryan Owens
Tuesday 12th of November 2019
Hi Keith. Love the blog and you have hit the nail on the head with these attractions. If you're looking to add more then I recommend Share Discovery Village, an NI registered charity that offers accessible activities & holidays to disabled and non-disabled people. There is 30+ thrilling activities on offer here on the banks of Upper Lough Erne from canoeing and sailing to archery and climbing. That's only scratching the surface - Trannish Island Bothy is one of their more unique experiences on a deserted island. Definitely a place not to be missed if you're looking a thrill in Fermanagh.
Jaclyn Poulton
Monday 21st of October 2019
A visit to Castle Archdale, you can hire a boat, camp there, caravan on site, beautiful open woodlands waiting to be explored dogs are also welcome if kept on a lead. Gorgeous place to visit, walk the dog and have a wee picnic or bbq.
Bryan Owens
Friday 30th of August 2019
Hi Keith. I'm from fermanagh myself and you have listed some of the great attractions that we have! One thing I would definitely add is Share Discovery Village. SHARE is a charity on the banks of Upper Lough Erne and they are Ireland's largest residential activity centre. They provide accessibility to all and have over 30 land and water activities. https://sharevillage.org/. But the bit that may be most suitable for this blog is their into-the-wild glamping experience on Trannish Island. They own part of Trannish Island on which there is a Bothy which provides a cosy and secluded overnight glamping experience. The island is only accessible by paddling out to it which adds to the unique experience. https://sharevillage.org/trannish-island-bothy/