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Enniskillen
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Enniskillen, the
county town of Fermanagh, is located almost exactly in the centre of
the county. Uniquely situated on an island in the middle of the
meandering River Erne that connects the upper and lower sections of
Lough Erne, the town exudes charm and character. Indeed its close
proximity to moorings and water gives Enniskillen a somewhat
continental feel.
Enniskillen is the commercial hub of Fermanagh. It boasts a shopping
centre, a wide range of national retail chains complemented by
traditional family run businesses. It also contains an excellent
repertoire of live entertainment in the form of contemporary and
traditional music as well as good eateries and a fine collection of
arts and crafts boutiques located on the site of the former 'Buttermarket'.
The most prominent historic landmark in the town is Enniskillen
Castle with its collection of museums within the confines of the
grounds. Occupying the central keep, the heritage centre features a
wealth of interesting artefacts related to agriculture and
industries in Fermanagh. A must see is The Regimental Museum at the
turreted Watergate Building brimming with insignia, firearms and
uniforms that belonged to the Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers and
dragoon guards.
On the outskirts of Enniskillen stands Castle Coole, the family home
of the Earls of Belmore and one of the treasures of the National
Trust. Designed by James Wyatt, this magnificent neo-classical house
took ten years to build. It was completed in 1798. Highlights of a
tour of Castle Coole are the magnificent state rooms with their
sumptuous Regency furnishings. The surrounding 700 acre estate is a
fitting setting for the house, with parkland, Lough Coole and
extensive woods.
The area around Enniskillen is stunningly beautiful and tranquil,
particularly around Lough Erne at the doorstep of the town.
Stretching for 50 miles, the lake is divided into two parts, namely
the Upper Lough in the south and Lower Lough in the north, both
connected by the river. The lakes are noted for their cluster of
islands that contain Celtic and Early-Christian antiquities. The
largest of the ancient sites in Lough Erne is Devenish Island,
featuring an unusual 15th-century High Cross and a magnificent
12th-century round tower,=
Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and Henry Francis Lyte, author of the
hymn ‘Abide With Me’ were all pupils at Portora Royal School in
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Enniskillen Holiday Homes - County Fermanagh, Ireland