A magical county where beautiful lakes, hidden caves and centuries of history are waiting to be discovered.
If your idea of a brilliant getaway involves lakes, forests, castles and a bit of adventure, County Fermanagh has you covered.
It's famous for Upper and Lower Lough Erne, a world of waterways, islands and peaceful countryside, but there's plenty happening beneath the surface too, from the Marble Arch Caves to the striking boardwalk up Cuilcagh Mountain.
Add grand estates, atmospheric ruins and the welcoming island town of Enniskillen, and you've got the makings of a fantastic short break.
There are no border checks, but prices are in pounds sterling (£), speed limits are in miles per hour, and it's worth checking your phone plan and car insurance cover before you go.
Guided tours take you through limestone caves carved by underground rivers, with a boat trip on an underground river at the start. Part of the cross-border Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
Why visit? Geology, nature and families.
Nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven, this trail crosses blanket bog before a boardwalk and staircase climb towards the summit plateau, with huge views.
Why visit? Fit walkers and dramatic scenery.
Beside the River Erne, the castle houses the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum, telling the story of the area and its famous regiments.
Why visit? History and culture.
Early Christian ruins on an island in Lower Lough Erne, including one of the finest round towers in Ireland. Getting there by boat is half the fun.
Why visit? Archaeology, history and island adventures.
A magnificent neoclassical mansion just outside Enniskillen, with parkland walks.
Why visit? Architecture, history and gardens.
An elegant 18th-century house with woodland walks, walled gardens and the original Irish yew tree.
Why visit? Architecture, gardens and heritage.
Ireland's oldest working pottery, famous for its delicate parian china. Factory tours run depending on current arrangements.
Why visit? Craftsmanship and industrial heritage.
The lakes are the heart of Fermanagh. Take a boat trip, go kayaking or fishing, or just enjoy the waterfront.
Why visit? Water activities, relaxation and wildlife.
A former estate on Lower Lough Erne that became a flying boat base in the Second World War. Woodland, family recreation and a fascinating history.
Why visit? Families, history and walking.
Woodland, wetlands, islands and ruins on Upper Lough Erne. A haven for wildlife.
Why visit? Nature, history and wildlife.
Plantation-era castle ruins by Lower Lough Erne, attacked in the 1641 rebellion, with a recreated 17th-century garden.
Why visit? History and photography.
An enigmatic two-faced stone figure in Caldragh graveyard.
A ruined church with a row of mysterious early medieval carved figures.
A lovely woodland walk beside the river that flows from the Marble Arch Caves.
Forest drives and a viewpoint high above Lower Lough Erne.
A small but complete Bronze Age stone circle.
An Enniskillen pub with a beautifully preserved Victorian interior.
Limestone grassland with rare plants.
A market town with access to Upper Lough Erne.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
Nobody knows exactly who carved the two-faced Boa Island figure or why. It may be a pagan god, a Christian-era carving with older echoes, or something else entirely, and that mystery is half its charm.
In early medieval Ireland the lakes were highways. Devenish, founded by St Molaise in the sixth century, became an important centre of learning.
From 1609 settlers were granted land across Fermanagh, and castles like Tully and Monea were built to defend it. Many were attacked in the 1641 rebellion.
The islands and waters of Fermanagh are full of local tales, from drowned towns beneath the lakes to saints who sailed between them.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days, each focused on one part of the county.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
We've kept this short and only listed places we could confirm. Prices are in pounds sterling (£).
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times, tours and access arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: Discover Northern Ireland, Marble Arch Caves and National Trust.
Fermanagh's neighbours:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge