The local area in more detail:

 

Crom Estate (NT) (2km) has a large public jetty, visitor centre and café where the fascinating history of the estate can be uncovered. Traditional Lough Erne "cots" (small open boats) and day boats are available for hire. There is a children's play area and special family events are hosted throughout the year eg "Easter Eggstravaganza", "Jazz by the Lake" & "Hallowe'en Capers".

 

As extolled in the Sunday Times travel section (29.03.15) -

“Marooned on the upper reaches of Lough Erne, Crom is a magical Middle-earth of tiny islands and ancient ruins. You could join a guided half-hour cruise on a traditional 100-year-old cot (£4/£2), but it's far better to hire your own boat and pootle about amid tufted ducks and teals, picnicking beside the 17th-century castle ruins.

Rowing boat £7.50 an hour, motorised boat £45 a day.”

 

The Estate extends to 2000 acres and includes the ruins of Old Crom Castle, the Boat House, Summer House, Sawmill & Turf House as well as the ancient Irish Yew trees which particularly fascinate children.

Privately owned Crom Castle is the home of Lord Erne & the West Wing is used as a wedding venue.

 

 

Newtownbutler (4km) has supermarkets, chemist, off-licence, pubs, take-away food outlets and a range of small, independant shops.

 

 

Share Discovery Village (11km) is Ireland’s largest residential outdoor activity and adventure centre. It offers disabled and non-disabled children and adults the opportunity to participate in a wide range of creative, educational and recreational activities including orienteering, climbing, windsurfing, banana boating, circus skills and pottery.

 

 

Lisnaskea (12km) is County Fermanagh’s second largest town with supermarkets, wide selection of shops (including "Emersons" - fishing licences, angling equipment & bicycle parts & repairs), a hotel, restaurants, cafes, pubs, banks, public library, Castle Park Leisure Centre (sports hall, fitness suite, squash courts, grass & synthetic pitches) and Castle Balfour.

 

 

Belle Isle Cookery School, Lisbellaw (18km) offers a wide range of courses from “Everyday Easy Recipes” to a “Weekend in Paris”  for the complete beginner or experienced cook. The Belle Isle Estate spans 470 acres and boasts a 17th century castle as well as the award winning cookery school.

 

Inish Rath Island (20km) is accessed via the Govindadwipa Ferry from Geaglum Quay. Visitors can experience a fully functional Hare Krishna Temple and each Sunday at 12.00 noon a free vegetarian feast is provided.

 

 

Castle Coole (NT) (28km) is one of Ireland's finest Neo-classical houses, allowing visitors to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore. Discover the story of the people who lived and worked below stairs as you explore the splendid suite of servants rooms and service quarters of this magificent property, set in a 700 acre estate. There is a tea room, gift shop and children's play area.

 

 

Ardhowen Theatre (29km) Situated in a beautiful lake-view setting just a bend in the river away from the historic island town of Enniskillen. Opened in 1986, the Ardhowen Theatre offers a year round programme of drama, music, opera, ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, blues, comedy, puppets, children's events, traditional Irish entertainment, ethnic arts and lectures.

 

 

Enniskillen (30km) is the County Town of Fermanagh with a comprehensive range of supermarkets, department stores and independent shops, the Buttermarket Craft & Design Courtyard, hotels, restaurants, pubs, Lakeland Forum Leisure Complex (swimming pool, fitness suite, sports hall, squash courts, athletics track, grass & synthetic pitches, “The Zone” play-park) public library, Ardhowen Theatre, Omniplex cinema, Enniskillen Castle Museums.

 

 

Devenish Island (33km) plus short boat trip. The most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements, Devenish was founded in the 6th century by Saint Molaise. Admire the beautiful carved, intricate details including a ruined Augustinian abbey with figures and sculptures and climb the round tower. The round tower stands at 30m tall – internal ladders inside the tower mean the visitor can climb to the top and marvel at the spectacular views.

 

 

Florencecourt House and Gardens (NT) (34km) Palladian style 18th century house, the former home of the Earls of Enniskillen. The house enjoys a peaceful setting in west Fermanagh, with a dramatic backdrop of mountains and forests. There are glorious walks to enjoy, as well as fine vistas and play areas. There is even a charming walled garden. Every aspect of life in this classical Irish house, with its fine interiors and exquisite decoration, are brought to life on fascinating guided tours. Outside there are numerous places to explore, including a sawmill, ice house and thatched summer house. There is a Visitor Centre, tea room and gift shop for further enjoyment.

 

 

 

Marble Arch Caves (40km) are one of Europe’s finest show caves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers decorated with stalactites.

 

 

Cladagh Glen (40km) takes its name from the River Cladagh which was formed in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves. It is a National Nature Reserve which offers visitors the opportunity to walk through ash woodland while observing feral goats, red squirrels and pine martens.

 

 

Castle Archdale Park, Lisnarick (44km) has numerous nature trails, woodland walks and cycle trails which run through this beautiful country park which is located on the shores of Lower Lough Erne.

Visitors can also explore a wildflower meadow and lough shore walks. Boats are available to hire for those wishing to explore the nearby islands. Pony trekking is also available on site. The Archdale Centre, in the corner of the main courtyard, hosts various exhibitions, incuding “Castle Archdale at War” which highlights the important role the demesne served in WW2 as the most westerly flying-boat stationfrom which aircraft protected the allied convos from the U-boat threat in the North Atlantic.

 

 

White Island (44km) plus ferry from Castle Archdale marina. An ancient monastic settlement was located on the shores of White Island. The ruins of this settlement are scant, though a great deal remains from a church that was built on top of it. However the eight stone carvings (seven figures and one head) are believed to date from the original settlement. They were hewn from quartzite and depict clergy in long tunics. They may date as far back as the 9th century.

 

 

Golfing:

Slieve Russell Golf & Country Club, Cavan (28km) Championship, Parkland, 18 hole, 7053 yards, Par 72.

Enniskillen Golf Club, Castle Coole (30km) Parkland, 18 hole, 6200 yards, Par 71.

Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen (36km) Faldo Championship Course & Faldo Academy, Lakeland, 18 hole, 7167 yards, Par 72.

Castle Hume Golf Club, Enniskillen (36km) Parkland, 18 hole, 6269 yards, Par 70.

Lisnarick Golf Club, Irvinestown (46km) Parkland, 9 hole, 4264 yards, Par 66.