Top 10 Things to do in Enniskillen
Enniskillen, nestled in the heart of County Fermanagh, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its historic landmarks to its picturesque landscapes, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant town. Whether you’re into history, the outdoors, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Enniskillen has something for everyone.
While the list is endless, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 must-do activities. Here are the top 10 activities to make the most memorable time in Enniskillen:
1. Visit the Heart of Enniskillen
Start your journey with a trip to Enniskillen Castle, a historic fortress dating back to the 16th century. Explore the museum inside, which delves into the town’s rich heritage, including its role in the Plantation of Ulster and the more recent history of the Troubles. While you’re in the Castle Museum, why not grab a coffee at the Castle Café, located just inside the entrance to the Museum.
Walk around the outside of the castle, with stunning views over Lough Erne. Grab a selfie at the heart of Enniskillen with the castle in the background, beautiful both day and night.
2. Go on a Mural Hunt
Explore the island town on foot and as you walk around uncover the 10 Enniskillen murals. Not only is this a great way to explore the town by you can discover more about the culture of Enniskillen as each mural has a significant meaning. For more information about the artists, the meaning behind and where to find the murals READ HERE.
3. Find the Streetscape Art
As you walk around Enniskillen, discover other street scape art scattered throughout the town. Don’t forget to look up, with pieces located on high-up buildings, around the walls of Enniskillen and engravings in the high street stone beneath your feet. Immerse yourself in the streetscape art, which is often overlooked amidst the daily hustle.
FOLLOW THE SWALLOWS
Starting with the Gold Swallows located all over Enniskillen. This public art installation is a walking trail of 150 gold-leaf swallows on buildings around Enniskillen, for more information READ HERE.
Oscar Wilde, the playwright, poet and wit spent seven years (1864-71) in Enniskillen at Portora Royal School (now Enniskillen Royal Grammar School). His most popular short story, The Happy Prince, is directly inspired by Enniskillen’s Cole’s Monument that stands ‘high above the town’, which Wilde could see from his dormitory window at Portora. In the story the statue of the Happy Prince pleads with the little Swallow to stay and distribute his jewels and gold leaf to the people of the town to relieve them of their misery.
Inspired by the fairy tale, ARTS OVER BORDERS has created ‘The Flight of the Little Golden Swallow’ from Coles Monument down into the Island Town of Enniskillen. You can Follow the Swallow from the War Memorial on Belmore Street, through the town to Enniskillen Castle Museum.
Streetscape Art Project
Secondly, look out for the Streetscape Art Project, created to celebrate the local history of Enniskillen and do this in an attractive way to the Streetscape. READ HERE for more information about the Streetscape Art Project.
Enniskillen BID worked alongside the incredibly talented artist Eleanor Wheeler on this project. The Streetscape Art Project not only looks great around Enniskillen but also encourages footfall and tourism for local businesses in Fermanagh.
4. Explore Castle Coole National Trust
Another great location for a walk is exploring the grounds at Castle Coole. Located just a six-minute walk from Enniskillen town. There is a play park and tea rooms for grabbing coffee & cake, something for all the family.
Why not join a guided tour at Castle Coole where you can step inside the house, experience the interiors and uncover the stories of the family who lived there?
5. Get out on Lough Erne & take a trip to Devenish Island
Set out onto the tranquil waters of Lough Erne, surrounded by lush green landscapes, the lough’s beauty is truly an experience. From cruising the waterways to adventures on the Lough there is something for everyone. Don’t fancy getting out on the Lough? Why not relax by the Lough shore, take in the serenity of Lough Erne and bring a picnic with you?
Take cycling off the road and onto the water with a hydrobike rental on Ireland’s only Island Town. Great for exercise or relaxing on the water, something really unique. Alternatively, rent a day boat from Erne Adventures to explore Upper and Lower Lough Erne.
Erne Boat Hire provides small pleasure crafts, that are purpose-built for the rental market and can comfortably hold six adults. The boats are powered by a 6hp four stroke petrol engine and all are self-drive. A great way to see around the Lough and take a trip over to Devenish island.
Devenish Island Tour with Erne Tours
Departing from the Round ‘O’ Jetty, the MV Kestrel provides a truly unique way to see the beautiful island town of Enniskillen by boat. The tour also includes a trip over to Devenish Island.
Once moored at Devenish Island, you can disembark and learn about its history dating back to the 6th Century, including the best preserved Round Tower in Ireland, Augustinian Abbey, church ruins, ancient graveyards and high cross. There is also a small museum and toilet facilities.
Erne Water Taxi – Pilgrim Tours
The Experience will comprise of a 4 hour tour of Lower Lough Erne by Water Taxi for up to 8 people with an experienced local guide. The journey will take the route of the ancient highway used by the first settlers and later the Monks and Pilgrims of Lough Erne.
6. Visit the Buttermarket
Just off the main street in Enniskillen it’s worth stopping at the Buttermarket. The Buttermarket Craft and Design Courtyard includes nineteen art and craft units and a coffee shop, housed in the restored early 19th century dairy market. The Buttermarket’s unique position in the heart of Enniskillen makes it the central focus for the thriving craft industry in Fermanagh.
From vintage shops to pottery there is a great range of shops to visit in the Buttermarket. Grab a coffee or lunch when you are there at Rebecca’s coffee shop, opened in 1990 and located in the centre of the Buttermarket. Open 8:30 – 5pm (Monday – Saturday).
7. Try some of the Independent Coffee Shops
Indulge deeper into the thriving café culture of Enniskillen, the range of independent coffee shops is ever-growing, offering a tempting selection of treats, lunches, and, of course, coffee.
Each independent coffee shop has its unique style, something to suit everyone. Enniskillen also has a great selection of chain coffee shops such as Café Nero, Marks and Spenser’s and Costa. For more information on Enniskillen’s coffee scene, READ MORE HERE.
8. Climb up to Cole’s Monument
Cole’s Monument stands in the grounds of Forthill Park; a beautiful five-and-a-half-acre wooded park in Enniskillen. The monument was built in the centre of the park in memory of the late General the Hon. Sir G. Lowry Cole from 1845-57. Take a walk up to Forthill Park to enjoy all that Cole’s Monument has to offer.
The climb up the monument is worth it to soak up the views of the town and its surroundings.
Cole’s Monument is open every Saturday & Sunday afternoon from 6 April – 29 September 2024 for bookable tours.
Tours operate every half hour from 2pm – 4.30pm and last 20 minutes BOOK HERE.
9. Visit Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum
Delve into Enniskillen’s railway heritage at Headhunters Barber & Railway Museum, where you can explore vintage trains and learn about the town’s history. Located in the museum is also a barber shop that has been in operation for years.
The Johnston family’s decision to combine their traditional barbers skills with their interest in local railway history has led to one of the most unique and fascinating attractions. Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum has one of the largest collections of small Irish railway artefacts on display, many kindly donated by former railway employees.
Starting at the reconstructed booking office, where the ticket collector invites you to step on board, your journey recreates railway travel through Fermanagh and the border counties until the closure of the lines in 1957.
You’ll find a range of memorabilia including uniforms, signalling instruments, signs, lamps, tableware, timetables, tickets and photographs from the three local railway companies – The Great Northern Railway (Ireland), The Sligo Leitrim & Northern Counties Railway and The Clogher Valley Railway.
10. Go on a Food & Drinks Tour around Enniskillen
Get ready to explore Enniskillen’s food scene with the Enniskillen Taste Experience! You’ll get to try out delicious food from different spots around town and really get a feel for what makes Enniskillen food scene so exciting. What’s great about this experience is that it’s a great way to see around Enniskillen due to it being a walking tour.
The Enniskillen Taste Experience will showcase the culinary delights the local businesses have to offer and will provide customers with a substantial and memorable experience.
Enniskillen Taste Experience
Customers will be offered an array of tastes and nibbles along with a few alcoholic beverages, so it’s best to leave the car keys behind.
Remember, this list only scratches the surface of all that Enniskillen has to offer. If you’re travelling with your pets, be sure to check out our dog-friendly blog for tips on exploring the town together. We hope you enjoy exploring in and around the town of Enniskillen!
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