Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre
Visitors Centre
Belleek
BT93 3FY
028 68658501
For lovers of porcelain the Belleek Pottery is well worth visiting and the village of Belleek is 'home' to this famous factory.
This centre opened in 1989 and was once known as the Belleek Pottery Works Company, which carried out business as early as 1857, manufacturing heavy earthenware, which has progressed to becoming known all over the world for creating fine Parian china.
The mission statement of the company was:
"to develop a culture of total customer care through excellence in product and service quality sustained by focused teamwork and the on-going development of all employees"
Visitors can see the 'world' famous porcelain being produced by craftspeople using the techniques of the 19th century, from firing, glazing through to the decoration of this beautiful china.
As you journey through time during a visit to this marvelous place of history you will be able to learn lots of interesting information, as well as watching craftsmen at work designing, moldings and shaping pieces of porcelain and watch the intricate 'basket weaving' process as well as seeing a short video presentation.
Please contact for tour times, which normally last two hours, or visit the website via the link below.
Castle Coole
Enniskillen
County Fermanagh
BT74 6JY
028 66322690
Situated on the outskirts of Enniskillen stands the majestic 18th century 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 Palladian Mansion House took ten years to build and was completed in 1798.
The exterior is made of Portland stone and reflects the changing daylight and the interior of the house was created by some of the leading craftsmen of the century, with chimney pieces carved by Westmacott, delicate plasterwork created by Rose, scagliola columns and pilasters created by Bartoli.
The highlights of touring Castle Coole are the magnificent state rooms with their sumptuous Regency furnishings which include the State Bedroom, said to have been prepared for a visit by George IV in 1821, exquisite woodwork, furnishings and a well stocked library.
A 700 acre estate surrounds this magnificent house, which overlooks Lough Coole, with parkland, delightfully landscaped gardens and extensive woods, where visitors may enjoy walks in the grounds.
Visitors can also tour the Grand Yard, the Servants' Tunnel, the recently restored Ice House, the dairy, stables, laundry house and display room which includes the Belmore Private Coach.
In 1988, after seven years of work, a major stonework restoration programme was completed when her Majesty the Queen Mother, re-opened Castle Coole to the public.
Please contact for details of tour times, group bookings, and prices, or visit the website.
Florence Court
Enniskillen
County Fermanagh
BT92 1DB
028 66348249
Florence Court is a three storey mansion house which was built in the middle of the 18th Century and was the seat of the Earls of Enniskillen.
The house was named after Florence, the wife of the Earl of Enniskillen, and features beautiful Rococo plasterwork.
This truly welcoming home is surrounded by a large area of parkland, garden and woodland, with breathtaking views to Benaughlin and the backdrop of the Cuilcagh Mountains.
The extensive grounds contain a water powered sawmill and the garden has the original 200 years old Irish Yew tree, known to be the parent of all Irish-type Yews, which can now be found all over the world.
Florence Court Forest Park is located beside Florence Court House and has delightful gardens, walks and picnic sites and is noted for its superb views of the surrounding mountains.
Discover many serene and beautiful corners by exploring the Pleasure Grounds and the Walled Garden on this magnificent estate.
Since the recent return of many of the Enniskillen family belongings to this fine mid 18th century house, it has rekindled its warm and gentle atmosphere.
The 'Living History' tours take you inside the heart of the house and, as each door opens, more is discovered about the family, their staff and surroundings and how they lived and worked together.
Florence Court House is one of Ulster's most important 18th-century houses and is now licensed for civil weddings.
Please contact for further information or visit the website.
Navar Forest Lakes
Derrygonnelly
County Fermanagh
BT
028 66322114
Navar Forest Park is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Forest Service and within the forest area is a touring caravan site, a superb 11.2km scenic drive, taking you to the cliff top viewpoint where you can relax and enjoy the tremendous views across Lough Erne to the Mountains of Donegal as well as the picnic areas.
Within the forest park are the Navar Forest Lakes - Achork, Glencreawan and Meenameen which are open to DCAL permit holders.
Achork and Meenameen contain good stocks of brown trout supplemented by 7500 takeable brown trout, the fish respond well to nymphs and small dark patterned wet or dry flies.
Fishing is not permitted in the fourth lake (Lough Navar).
The forest and lakes are very popular with families as there are picnic areas to enable family and friends to enjoy themselves, either chilling or walking along some of the lovely scenic paths.
Car parks are situated at the waters edge at Glencreawan and Meenameen.
Please contact for further information.
Enniskillen Castle Museums
Castle Barracks
Enniskillen
BT74 7HL
028 66325000
Enniskillen Castle was the Medieval Seat of the Maguire’s; who were the Chieftains of Fermanagh, who also policed the Lough with a private navy of 1,500 boats, and dates back to pre-historical times.
Throughout the 16th century the junior branch of the Maguire’s ruled Fermanagh from Enniskillen Castle, their stronghold being captured and retaken many times by the O’Donnell’s, O’Neill’s and the English.
The County Museum is housed at the Castle and contains lots of information on the natural history, archaeology and folklore of the region and represents an important part of Fermanagh's rich history and heritage.
The Castle is nestled amid Fermanagh's Lakeland; on the banks of the picturesque Lough Erne and presents an array of 19th century barracks buildings surrounding the Medieval Castle Keep. To the south, with its distinctive turrets, is the 17th century Watergate and to the east is the Fermanagh County Museum; built in 1992.
The Castle Keep: a 15th century Maguire stronghold, later a military barracks, now housing:
Fermanagh County Museum: Exhibits collections in award winning displays enhanced by audio visual theatre, with induction loop for the partially deaf, with programmes about Fermanagh's history, wildlife and landscapes.
Special exhibitions are held throughout the year.
The Inniskillings Museum: with displays spanning the history of the famous regiment from 1689 to 1968.
The Watergate: a twin-turreted building, added to the outer walls of the castle in the early 17th century.
The Arcaded Barracks: with displays focusing on Fermanagh's archaeological and historic monuments.
There is a gift and book shop with literature in several languages and a children's activity corner.
Other facilities include; refreshments, adjacent car park, access and toilet for wheelchair users.
Please contact for further information.
Marble Arch Caves
Marlbank
Florencecourt
BT92 1EW
028 66348855
The Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe's finest showcaves where visitors will be able to marvel at fascinating waterfalls, winding passages, and underground rivers.
Tours of the cave complex start with an underground boat trip on electrically powered boats, which glide through huge caverns on a subterranean lake, offering visitors the chance to see the stalactites and stalagmites in the caves and last approximately 75 minutes.
Trained guides conduct the tours through a variety of cave formations, including the "Moses Walk" which must be seen and experienced to be fully enjoyed.
There are spectacular walkways allowing easy access with powerful lighting revealing the stunning beauty and grandeur of the caves.
Tours are suitable for people of all ages, of average fitness, and comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater are recommended.
There is a Visitor Centre, located in the National Nature Reserve, offering a range of facilities including a souvenir shop, restaurant, exhibition area, an audio-visual theatre and free parking.
An education service is available for schools and colleges and advance bookings are accepted from large groups, families.
Please contact for further information, or visit the website via the link below.