Fermanagh

The most remarkable natural feature of County Fermanagh is the River Erne, which winds through the centre of the county. It expands into two extensive lakes. Upper and Lower Lough Erne, both to which have many islands. Navigable by cruiser boat, via lake and canal, this beautiful lake is connected to the uppermost reaches of the Shannon, creating over 200 miles of linked waterways for pleasure cruising and fishing. Some level land borders the river and lakes, but the rest of the county is hilly – rising to 2,188 feet in Cuilcagh Mountain on the County Cavan border. In the north-west Fermanagh touches the shore of Lough Melvin, and set among hills on the western border are Upper and Lower Lough Macnean.

The limestone hills of west Fermanagh contain many interesting cave systems, and with the exception of County Clare is the most notable area in Ireland for the speleologist. This is a county with many attractions for the visitor; boating and fishing on the ‘lakeland of Ulster’, climbing, interesting monuments, and throughout the county the charm of good scenery and pleasant towns and villages.

Though Enniskillen is the county’s capital, Belleek, a tiny village on the western border is more famous because it is the home of the regions beautiful translucent Parian china, prized by collectors.