Holiday rentals in Enniskillen

Enniskillen, the largest town in County Fermanagh, sits on Cathlin’s Island in the River Erne, between the Lower and Upper Lough Erne. Enniskillen’s lively centre, with its red-brick Georgian buildings brimming with independent shops, bars, and eateries, strikes a contrast against its serene landscape, encompassing mountains, rivers, mature woodland, waterfalls, and gorges. You’ll find one of the town’s biggest natural treasures, the Marble Arch Caves, beneath the picturesque foothills of the mountain of Cuilcagh. The limestone caves were formed more than 340 million years ago.

Historic buildings dot the island town and provide rich insight into its past. With the ruins of Enniskillen Castle, the splendour of Castle Coole, and the magnificent Florence Court and Gardens, Enniskillen is spoilt with architectural gems representing hundreds of years of history. For a more in-depth understanding of the area, you can peruse the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum.

The best time of year to visit Enniskillen is during spring and summer, when you’ll see the least rainfall and warmest temperatures. It’s always a good idea to bring an umbrella and a waterproof layer, however, as the region sees quite a bit of rain all year-round. In the spring, the town hosts its Enniskillen Drama Festival, an amateur drama festival spanning nine nights at the Ardhowen Theatre.

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and more rainy days, as well as the Festival Lough Erne, which celebrates the area’s natural resources, local produce, culture, and heritage with river tours, distillery and food tastings, and all-ages activities. At the end of November, Enniskillen hosts its Christmas Craft and Food Fair, where you’ll find an array of local produce, seasonal foods, craft stalls, and street entertainment. Temperatures rarely dip below freezing in the winter, but the clouds and rain can make it feel colder than it is, so bundle up before heading out to explore.

Enniskillen Castle

The 18th-century Enniskillen Castle sits on the banks of the River Erne and houses the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum. Inside you’ll find galleries and displays that trace the county’s rich history from prehistoric times to the present. The visitor centre boasts sweeping views of Lough Erne and the castle’s restored and renovated grounds and gardens.

Castle Coole

Perched atop a vibrant green slope on the edge of Enniskillen is Castle Coole, an 18th-century neoclassical home surrounded by verdant landscaped grounds to wander. The castle interiors showcase splendid staterooms that include Regency fixtures and furniture. You’ll also find the Grand Yard, a servants’ tunnel, laundry house, and restored cone-shaped Ice House on the castle grounds.

Florence Court

Florence Court is a grand Georgian estate eight miles from Enniskillen. Situated against the spectacular Benaughlin and Culicagh Mountains, it is an architectural wonder, home to a collection of fine Irish furniture and intricate rococo plasterwork. Florence Court also features a working sawmill and a lush walled garden — a marvel on its own. The pristinely landscaped garden includes roses, ponds, and a native Irish apple orchard.