FERMANAGH
LAKELAND
SUNRISE ON THE LAKES.
The
Upper Lake
Bellanaleck, south-west on the A509, off the A4 has one cruiser
base, trout fishing in Mill Lough and a thatched restaurant. The views
from Knockninny Hill, a few miles south, are magical.
Derrylin village has curious stone heads, one over an archway,
one in a garden. On the way to pleasant Belturbet, just across the border
with the Republic drivers cross the Woodford River accessing the Ballinamore/
Ballyconnell Canal linking the Erne to the Shannon, which starts
at Ballyconnell. Corraquill Cruising offers barge holiday based at Derrylin.
Galloon Island, reached next by looping round past Belturbet
and Wattle Bridge has finely incised gravestones marked with hourglass,
coffin, bell and cross-bones.
Crom Castle grounds and nature reserve (National Trust), near
tranquil Newtownbutler, have old Crom Castle, tea rooms and self-catering
cottages.
Castle Balfour (1618) a Scottish planter’s castle, and
the eclectic folklife display in the library are Lisnaskea’s
attractions including a little folk museum. At Smith’s Strand,
south-west of the village, there is a watersports centre for the able
and disabled holiday sportsperson and Viking Longship (powered) cruises.
The Olde Barn Family Museum, at Tamlaght, west of the charming
village of Lisbellaw, traces generations of the Carrothers family.
Cavan and Enniskillen
The most northerly part of this area takes in the County Cavan and County
Fermanagh regions, their proximity making it easier to explore the area
as one.
The towns of Cavan and Enniskillen boast a wealth of visitor attractions
and shopping opportunities. The neighbouring counties of Fermanagh and
Cavan are easily accessible for those visiting the west of Ireland and
with the re-opening of the Aghalane Bridge near Derrylin, travelling
time between the two towns is only 45 minutes.
A brochure detailing the attractions of both towns is available from
tourist offices.
