This part of Ireland is ideal as a base for any number of outdoor activities.

Fishing

Enniskillen, the Island Town, is situated between Upper and Lower Lough Erne, and there are literally hundreds of lakes and rivers which provide enormous scope for the angler, whether coarse or fly fishing. There are a number of competitions running throughout the year for the competition angler, including several larger matches and festivals.

Phil's fish

There is an excellent tackle and bait shop just 4 miles away on the outskirts of town. Fishing visitors will be given up to date tips on where to fish, and information on permits and licences. Bait may be pre-ordered by phoning Cloughbally Mill Angling Centre on 02866 322008.

For information on licences and permits, and to buy these online, please visit the website of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure of the Northern Ireland Government at www.dcal-fishingni.gov.uk

Boating

There are lots of opportunities for getting out on the water, whether hiring a boat for yourselves, or taking a trip on the loughs in one of the pleasure boats, either to visit some of the islands, or to combine with a meal at a riverside restaurant.

Marina at Bellanaleck

Carrybridge Marina

Walking and Cycling

Derrygiff is very close to the spectacular mountainous areas of the Cuilcagh Mountain Park, Marble Arch Nature Reserve, Benaughlin Mountain, and Florence Court Forest, with trails suitable for everyone from families with children to the serious walker. We are near to the Ulster Way and Kingfisher Trail, which are clearly mapped and signposted for ease of use.

Benaughlin Mountain

Golf

For the keen golfer there are three 18 hole golf courses on the outskirts of Enniskillen, including Ashwood just 2 miles away, and a championship course at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell.

Sightseeing

Marble Arch Caves

Within just a few minutes drive we have the spectacular Marble Arch Caves, with daily guided tours from March through to September (subject to weather conditions). The caves are on the scenic Marlbank route and a visit can be combined with a walk in the Cuilcagh Mountain Park.

www.marblearchcaves.net

Florence Court House

Nearby National Trust property Florence Court House and Gardens is well worth a visit, and may be combined with a walk in Florence Court Forest (the trails join up with the Ulster Way).

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enniskillen Castle and Museum

The castle is situated in Enniskillen town, and is also home to the Fermanagh County Museum and Regimental Museum of the Iniskilling Fusiliers. A visit to the castle may be combined with a look around the shops in Enniskillen, with its pubs, restaurants and Buttermarket craft centre.

www.enniskillencastle.co.uk

Enniskillen Castle

Castle Coole

On the edge of the town is Castle Coole with its delightful parkland and neo-classical house.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Crom Estate

Crom boasts one of Ireland's most important nature reserves, with its 2000 acres of woodland, parkland and wetland.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Ulster American Folk Park

This attraction in Omagh, about 30 miles away, is an absolute must to visit. There is an extensive indoor museum and a fascinating open air museum detailing the story of emigration from Ulster to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

www.folkpark.com

Lough Navar Forest Drive

A seven mile drive from Derrygonelly through Lough Navar Forest ends up at a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Lower Lough Erne and its islands. This is a highly recommended trip to take.

www.forestserviceni.gov.uk

View of Lower Lough Erne from Lough Navar forest

Belleek Pottery

A scenic drive along the south side of Lower Lough Erne takes you to the border town of Belleek, with its fascinating pottery producing the world famous parian china. A return trip along the north side of the Lough, across Boa Island, provides some outstanding views and photographic opportunities.

www.belleek.ie

Other Entertainment

Enniskillen has a multiscreen cinema showing all the latest movies, and the Ardhowen Theatre with its range of productions.

The Lakeland Forum provides opportunities for sport and swimming, and an indoor play area for small children. The Round O playground is also useful for occupying small children for a few hours, and is also the place to catch the boat for a trip around Lower Lough Erne and a visit to Devenish Island with its ancient ruins.

Eating Out

There are plenty of restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets. For a daytime snack or lunch in town, we recommend Rebecca's Coffee Shop in the Buttermarket. Other recommended restaurants in town include Franco's and Café Merlot, but there are numerous places to choose from.

Nearest to Derrygiff is the Sheelin Restaurant in Bellanaleck, and the award winning MacNean Bistro in Blacklion (booking recommended).

There is an excellent fish and chip shop in Bellanaleck, and a very good Chinese Takeaway on the Sligo Road on the way into town, if you fancy a night in.

There are two pubs just a mile away in Arney, one of which has an off licence attached, the Sheelin pub in Bellanaleck, and a fourth 1.7 miles away at the junction of the Sligo and Swanlinbar Roads.

Many of the local pubs have traditional live music evenings and entertainment.

Bellanaleck

Derrygiff
Swanlinbar Road
Enniskillen
Co Fermanagh
BT92 2DX

028 6634 8483 (answer phone)
or 07711 708064

or email us at enquiries@derrygiff.co.uk

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