Northwest Express Fermanagh Feature July 2011

on

fermanagh

Waterways Ireland Loughfest outside Enniskillen Castle

Enniskillen the Island County Town of Fermanagh

Main street and Town Hall Tower of the busy, bustling and friendly town of Enniskillen.

THE Watergate at Enniskillen CastleEnniskillen is the County Town of Fermanagh, located almost exactly in the Centre of the County on the natural island which separates the Upper and Lower sections of Lough Erne. Enniskillen is home to a population of approximately 11,500, by far the largest settlement in the County.

The busy Main Street of Enniskillen with the Townhall at the top of the hillEnniskillen town centre is firmly built along the long, narrow Main St, which actually changes name six times along its length! This gives Enniskillen a real sense of bustle and life as well as imbuing the shops with their own unique character. High Street Stores sit comfortably beside small independent traders, creating a special atmosphere for the place.

One of the key images that a visitor to Enniskillen may take home with them is the proximity of the Lough to the town. Moorings just outside the town centre certainly ease the pressure for parking spaces and add a continental feel to the town. As one would expect, Enniskillen is a retail centre for the County, and beyond, and a lively hub of activities, events and things to do throughout the year.

For visitors to County Fermanagh and Enniskillen as well as local folk planning their free time, the following links should help you find out What's Happening in Enniskillen

Fermanagh District Councils What's On/Events section has a comprehensive up-to-date list of all events, exhibitions, etc

Bars & Clubs

When the sun goes down, Enniskillen gets its second wind. Neighborhood bars and pubs are popular, of course, but whatever your inclination - sitting

at the bar relaxing with a pint of the 'black stuff', savouring a glass of pinot noir, or enjoying an expresso - be sure to chat with whoever happens to be nearby ... you may make a new friend or a valuable business contact. Our guide includes the hottest Enniskillen Restaurants, CafĂŠs, Clubs and Bars including the most popular cosy 'holein-the-wall' spots.

Enniskillen High Street

NOW STOCKING

Tel: 048-66320505

Call and walk around without obligation.

A small deposit secures, experienced staff to assist you

OPTI-FIT & I-MIX FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

APPROVED POWAKADDY SERVICE CENTRE

STOCKISTS OF ALL MAJOR GOLF BRANDS

LOWEST PRICES GUARANTEED! Now Stocking New 2011 TaylorMade Burner 2.0 and R11 Wood Ranges

CALL FOR DETAILS 028-66320009 048-66320009 (ROI)

Opening Mon - Wed: 9:00 - 5:30 Thurs - Fri: 9:00 - 6:00 Sat: 9:00 - 5:00 Sun Closed

Sligo Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

Kitchens - Full refit service available

Office Furniture

Bedrooms

Visit or telephone showroom to arrange appointment or Check out our website www.inhousedesigns.co.uk

Tel: 048-66323447 or 028-66323447 from NI

If you’re not cruising on the lakes in Co. Fermanagh or fishing, here’s a selection of other things to visit or things to do. motion of Irish and European craft products (paintings, sculptures, vases etc.). There you'll also be able to meet local artists.

4. Visit the buttermarket of Enniskillen...

The buttermarket is an area of Enniskillen, which has been converted into an Irish art and craft centre, specialised in sale and pro-

1.Take a stroll in Ely Lodge Forest...

Ely Lodge Forest is a pretty quiet place, not very well known by tourists and located only a few kilometres from Enniskillen. Note that the forest extends over 250 ha by the Lough Erne, and its planting began in 1940.

2. Drive near Monea Castle...

On the right-hand side, you can see a photo taken near Monea Castle. County Fermanagh is still overall quite rural and has got quite a lot of forests, green fields and lakes. I thought this view is both nice and representative of this county, despite the grey sky...

3. Visit Enniskillen Town...

Enniskillen (from the Irish: Inis Ceithleann meaning "Ceithleann's island") is the County town in County Fermanagh. It is located almost exactly in the centre of the county between the Upper and Lower sections of Lough Erne. It has a population of approximately 11,500. On the right-hand side, you can see a photo of a part of the town, crossed by River Erne.

5. Visit Enniskillen Castle...

Enniskillen Castle was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires chieftains. Guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it was strategically important throughout its history. In the 17th century, it became an English garrison fort and later served as part of a military barracks.This historic site now houses 2 museums.

www.craigville.co.uk

Tel: 048-66326004, Open 7 days a week, Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6

Craigville Garden Centre, Sligo Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.

Coffee Shop Open to public, enjoy refreshments in our coffee cabin when you visit our extensive garden centre.

- 3x80 Lt Multicompost only ÂŁ10 - Landscaping and Maintenance Service Available - Free Quotations - Full Range of Potted Trees also available - New Range of Pots - All Sizes - Garden Centre now fully Stocked for Summer / Autumn - Massive Selection of Shrubs, bedding and bulbs

Craigville Garden Centre & Coffee Shop

MONTYWARE POTTERY & JEWELLERY Unit 11, The Buttermarket, Enniskillen I stock a unique range of handpainted pottery and original art, specialising in flora and fauna.

Also available instore there is a wide variety of craft jewellery in silver and suitable for all tastes and budgets.

Telephone Claire: +44 (0) 7779-178696

RAMSEY PICTURE FRAMING

Enniskillen

Quality & Service No. 7 Buttermarket

Ann McNulty Pottery

TAKE a walk around the 16 Studios, Galleries, Shops and Coffee Shop of the Buttermarket Courtyard, one of Ireland’s premier craft centres, located in the heart of Enniskillen. Here you can purchase some of the best art and craft products, all of which have been made in Fermanagh.

The early 19th century dairy market buildings have been beautifully restored, and house such diverse crafts as pottery, fly-tying, ceramics, handmade jewellery, textiles, picture framing and original art.

Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the Buttermarket, where you can enjoy a unique shopping experience, full of exclusive products, which can only be found in the Studios, Galleries and Shops around the Buttermarket Courtyard.

Treat yourself to some homemade Fayre at Rebecca's Coffee Shop and browse through the treasure house of gifts in Boston Quay.

• Stoneware • Raku

Frances Morris Studio & Gallery

No.1 Buttermarket

ERNE

Art & Craft Store No.7 Buttermarket

Student Discount - Gift Vouchers

Original Landscapes Limited Edition Prints Photographic Images

ART SUPPLIES

17 The Buttermarket, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Tel: 04866 328645

Tel 028-66324721 ROI 048-66324721

www.francesmorris.com

email: info@francesmorris.com

Lough Erne and all her splendour

APART from the magnificent scenery and splendid boating facilities of this glorious region, you will find a remarkable range of attractions to enjoy throughout the seasons.You can spend delightful days cruising to various towns and attractions.

Enniskillen, Capital of the Lakelands, is one of Ireland’s most charming country towns. Great for shopping and eating out, contemporary bistros offering fine food and a lively atmosphere are a perfect way to spend an evening

off the boat. Depending on your preference you may wish to head up town to Blakes of the Hollow, one of the great classic pubs of Ireland or spend another while enjoying Irish Coffees on the shimmering banks of Lough Erne before heading for a romantic stroll along the moonlit boulevard!

At the western end of the Lower Lough lies Belleek Pottery. Established in 1857 Belleek is now home to one of Ireland’s most prestigious visitor attractions. As Belleek Pottery cele-

brates its 150th year we invite you to explore Irelands oldest Pottery.The award winning Visitor Centre offers a fascinating insight to the life and times of a renowned company which has become a global icon for the Irish design and craft skills You can claim to have explored Fermanagh from top to bottom by combining the con-

After a week on Lough Erne you can truly claim to have discovered the real Fermanagh experience! trasting delights of an invigorating walk from your boat up to the panoramic viewpoint of

The fine setting of the Theatre,. A fine piece of modern architecture set on the shores of Lough Erne,

Lough Navar Forest, followed by a subterranean journey through the marvellous Marble Arch Caves, Global Geopark.These chilly caverns offer an unforgettable experience amid stalagmites and stalactites.

Try waterskiing, windsurfing, powerboat racing, canoeing or just plain sailing from the Erne System’s half-dozen watersports centres.

Golfers have a choice of two 18 hole courses at Enniskillen and Castle Hume. With the latter due to become a 36 hole course with the development of the new Nick Faldo designed championship course – Lough Erne Golf Club.

The greatest sporting attraction of the Lakelands is its fabulous fishing. The world-class quality of its coarse and game angling lures thousands of anglers. Because there is no close season for coarse fishing here, you will always see anglers who are ‘hooked for life’ on the Erne.

The eight 9th-10th century carved figures in the ancient Christian community site on White Island, Lower Lough Erne

Fireplaces • Stoves • Gas • Oil• Solid Fuel • Electric • Granite Worktop Specialists

The Biggest & Best Value Fireplace Showrooms in Ireland

Save €€€s by calling to us Sligo Road, Enniskillen. Phone: 048 66 326 327

FLYNN FLOORING & TILES ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTIONS OF TILES & WOODEN FLOORS IN THE NORTHWEST

“TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STRONG EURO” SLIGO RD, ENNISKILLEN. TEL 048-66329333

e

Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-4pm

kitchens

Unit 32, Enniskillen Business Centre, Lackaghboy, Tempo Road T: 048-66326354 M: 0044 7808 039398

Sliding wardrobes now available to suit all your needs Bespoke Handmade Kitchens Fitted Bedroom Furniture Styles to suit all budgets Top brand Appliances Traditional & Modern Handmade by our craftsmen Why not call us or visit our showroom today and check our large selections of kitchen units and bedroom furniture...

Stay at the Corick House Hotel, Tyrone

WINTER or summer the House is open all year –and a warm welcome awaits you at this charming 17th century William and Mary country house Hotel where style and elegance meets country hospitality.. Majestically set amongst winding country roads in the heart of the beautiful Clogher Valley, this is truly a fairytale setting which exudes atmosphere. . The House is privately owned and managed ensuring that you will be given the most professional and attentive service to the finest detail An imposing walled entrance and wrought iron gates announces your approach to Corick House Hotel. Proceeding up the drive lined with 300 year old beech trees and turn into a large free car park and from thence into main entrance.

To complement your arrival experience an impressive new entrance lobby and reception

hall has been opened since April 2010.

Corinthian columns and a paved exterior approach give way to an automatic glass door into the large lobby. Steps or, if required, a lift - take the guest up into the reception hall and the new walnut check-in/reception desk where our staff are pleased to assist you. This area joins seamlessly onto the original part of the house. The original 17th century entrance still remains for the tradionalists amongst you.

Carleton Restuarant. At Corick House Hotel fine cuisine is second nature. The discerning guest, by choosing Corick House to dine, has demonstrated their desire to avoid the familiar chains of cloned hotels, pubs and restaurants for a distinctive alternative with refreshing and outstanding traditions but with modern twists. Open all year round and available for private and corporate events– you can be sure of locally produced products and professional attention to all details. All meals are freshly prepared by our Chefs. Our imaginative, traditional and fusion menus cater for to-day’s sophisticated tastes of the well travelled guests.

The Blackwater Bar and Conservatory – To complement the facilities our main bar is available for serving food all day and also that reviving tipple. This can be enjoyed whilst strolling on the terrace, in the gardens or sitting relaxing in the Conservatory Afternoon Tea –Quintessentially one of our favourite pastimes Corick House offers not just tea and cake but a lavish setting with delicious ‘fancies’. Included in this repast are scones oozing with our own freshly made preserves. So take a welcome break and spoil yourselves.

Bedroom Accommodation. The House has been carefully restored by the current owner with 9 luxury en-suite bedrooms in the main house. One of which features an impressive 4-poster bed and furnished in the style of the era but with modern conveniences provided such as tea making facilities,TV and telephone!

A further 10 ensuite rooms are available in the New Wing and these are in a more mod-

ern style and facilities but complementing the period of the House.

Our Function rooms command stunning views of the Clogher Valley and the historic cathedral village of Clogher.. We have varying sizes of function rooms enabling the Hotel to cater conferences and events from 2 – 400 guests. Weddings are our speciality but we

can deliver all types of successful events – private or corporate our experienced and professional management will be on hand to guide the event.

For a free brochure or to make a booking please call us on 028 8554 8216 or emailreservations@corickcountryhouse.com

Visit Florence Court and Marble Arch Caves

Explore the Marble Arch Caves

There is something for all the family at this warm and welcoming 18th-century property, 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.

www.lakelandtyres.com

Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh. Tel: 048-677 24291 Enniskillen: 048-6632 2111 e: adrian.frazer@lakelandtyres.com