Introduction to Fermanagh
County Fermanagh (Contae Fhear Manach or Fear Manach in Irish), is the westernmost of the six counties that form Northern Ireland, and the westernmost part of the United Kingdom. It is part of the province of Ulster. Fermanagh is often referred to as Ireland's Lake District. The county is approximately 120 km (75 mi) from Belfast and 160 km (99 mi) from Dublin.
In Northern Ireland the county borders County Tyrone to the north-east, and in the Republic of Ireland the county borders County Monaghan to the south-east, County Cavan and County Leitrim to the south-west and County Donegal to the north-west. Fermanagh is the only county of Northern Ireland that does not border Lough Neagh.
A Brief History of Fermanagh
County Fermanagh is a predominantly rural region with its geography dominated by two lakes: Upper Lough Erne and Lower Lough Erne. This 70-km (40 mi) stretch of lakes, known collectively as Lough Erne, is now linked to the River Shannon and its waterways via the Shannon-Erne Waterway canal, making the entire system the longest navigable inland waterway in Europe. Smaller lakes in the county include Lough Scolborn. In addition, Fermanagh shares many lakes: Lough Melvin (with the Republic of Ireland), Lough Macnean Upper and Lough Macnean Lower (both lying on the Cavan border).
There are also a large number of small rivers running through Fermanagh, generally these will enter the Erne system. Some notable examples are the Arney River, Sillees River, Owenbrean River, Cladagh River, Sruh Croppa, Aghinrawn and the Colebrook River.
The peak of Cuilcagh, part of the Cuilcagh Mountains range, on the Fermanagh/Cavan border is the highest point in Fermanagh (665 metres, 2,182 feet). Other mountains/ranges include Belmore Mountain, Tappghan Mountain (on the border with Tyrone), Brougher Mountain (on the border with Tyrone), Molly Mountain, Benaughlin Mountain, Slieve Rushen (on the border with Cavan), Derrin Mountain and Slieve Beagh (on the Tyrone border). Much of the western and eastern areas of the county are forested.
Areas of Interest in Fermanagh
Tully Castle
This castle, built in 1613, is best known for its beautiful garden, which dates back to the 16th century.
Castle Coole
A medieval castle surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Devenish Island
A ancient monastic dwelling site. Historic remains include a 12th Century tower, church, graveyard and Celtic cross.
White Island
Remains of a 12th Century Church with 8 enigmatic figures carved in stone dating to the 6th Century.
Castlecaldwell
Home of the landlords of Belleek and sold in 1866. The Caldwells have left the legacy of the pottery and they lived in a magnificent wooded setting on the banks of the Erne, five miles from Belleek. Home of the famous stone fiddle, castle and visitors centre.
Traditional Music and Craic in Fermanagh