Finding Calm in County Fermanagh: Lough Erne, the Ultimate Unrushed Retreat

Enniskillen Castle

From craggy cliffs and subterranean caves to lush nature reserves and glorious lakelands, County Fermanagh is a breathtaking beauty – a balm for the soul, inviting visitors to press pause and restore their mind, body and spirit.  

The county’s glistening centrepiece is Lough Erne, two connected lakes that offer a calm and peaceful environment – the perfect getaway from the busyness of modern life. In fact, Lonely Planet even ranked the area as number one on its list of the Top Ten Most Relaxing Destinations for Best in Travel 2025.  

For Barry Flanagan, owner of Erne Water Taxi, which provides guided tours on the lough, it’s a place of “untouched beauty”. 

Cuilcagh Boardwalk, Co Fermanagh

“Visitors can expect a landscape which feels tranquil, deeply rooted in history and incredibly welcoming,” he explains. “The county still feels genuinely undiscovered and there is so much to see, including the island town of Enniskillen, three National Trust properties, 14 plantation castles and the remarkable Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, which is home to the dramatic Marble Arch Caves and the iconic Cuilcagh Mountain Boardwalk.”  

But, as Barry notes, it’s not just about ticking off landmarks – “it’s about how this place makes you feel.” Whether you’re paddling through the serene waters, walking a forest path, or sharing stories in a cosy café, Lough Erne is a place that “invites you to slow down, look closer and discover a truly meaningful experience on the island.” 

Here’s a closer look at the wealth of things to see and do during a restorative County Fermanagh break: 

1.Sleeping under the stars and dining, Wilde-style 

Sleeping under the stars is romantic, peaceful and otherworldly, and at the bubble domes at Finn Lough, you can feel at one with nature. Luxurious, elegant and decked out with everything you need, the domes offer wonderful views of the night sky in a truly peaceful haven. It’s all about unrushed beauty here, with a stunning lakeside spa set in the forest where you can enjoy saunas, salt floats and relaxation rooms before plunging into the lake’s cool waters for a spot of wild swimming. Finn Lough also offers riverside cabins perched over rewilded waterways, as well as sky and lake suites where you can laze the days away, making it the perfect place to tune into nature and fully switch off.  
 
Beautifully combining food, fire and nature, Wilde Dining is a unique event hosted at Finn Lough – a feast for the senses where guests can enjoy a leisurely meal in a lakeside dome, complete with botanical tastings, fireside music and delicious local ingredients. At Finn Lough’s onsite restaurant, Lasair, you can enjoy small, sharing plates focused on quality Irish produce, followed by a tipple at the house bar, or a film at their vintage cinema.  

2.Heavenly walks 

A true escape in County Fermanagh is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail – an 11km route through farmland, over blanket bog and past flower-speckled pastures. The boardwalk reaches up to Cuilcagh Mountain, the highest point in County Fermanagh and offers unrivalled views of the countryside, lakes and rivers below. Once you get here, you’ll understand why it’s been nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven”.  
 
For a full immersion in nature, head to the shores of Upper Lough Erne where you’ll find Crom Estate, a 2,000-acre wildlife haven. Take the wildlife walk to spot an array of creatures such as otters, pine martens, buzzards, grey herons and sparrowhawks, or opt for the longer lakeside trail, which skirts around the shore of the lough and offers spectacular views of the glassy waters.  

 Rising to the top of the Magho Cliffs, the spectacular Navar Forest is must-see. Boasting a wealth of stunning vistas, and both natural and historical antiquities, this 2,600 hectare area of native woodland, bog, coniferous forest and heath boasts wonderful views… On a clear day, you might even see the Atlantic Ocean!  

Marble Arch Caves

3. Going underground 
Proving that there is also serenity to be found underneath the surface, the Marble Arch Caves are some of the most impressive of their kind in Europe. The sound of water is everywhere here, dripping, trickling, gushing through the labyrinth of rivers, waterfalls and vast echoing chambers that boast striking stalactites, underground pools and caverns. Glide along an underground river, before following a path on foot through caves with fascinating names, including Guardian Angel, the Porridge Pot and the Organ Pipes.  

4. Timeless beauty on the lough 

If history and elegance are more your thing, then the 18th-century mansion and estate of Florence Court is a wonderful place to let your imagination run free. Enjoy charming gardens, leafy forest trails, and a historic walled garden with a lush apple orchard. There is also a second-hand bookshop, house tours, 18th-century light industry exhibitions, a working watermill and demonstrations of traditional skills such as blacksmithing.  

Sticking with stately homes, Castle Coole, the former home of one of the Earls of Belmore, and one of Ireland’s finest neo-classical houses, is nestled amongst 1,200 acres of verdant woodland, making it the ideal location for anyone wishing to lose themselves for an afternoon, before enjoying a picnic on one of the allocated spots around the estate.  

Island Discovery, Erne Water Taxi Tours, Co Fermanagh

5. Serenity on the water 

Nothing quite beats the experience of exploring Lough Erne from the water, where you can go slow, enjoy glimpses of kingfishers, and hear tales of Celts, monks and Vikings. A great first port of call is Erne Water Taxi, which offers luxury guided boat trips of Lough Erne, Enniskillen and the 6th-century Devenish Island monastic settlement. The fully electric Island Discovery Boat is the perfect way to enjoy a quiet, private tour of the lough. 

If you fancy going under your own steam, Carrick Craft in Bellanaleck is just one of the spots to hire a cruiser and explore the Shannon-Erne Waterway and both Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Or soak up the serenity of the lake on a hydrobike, kayaks or paddleboards, available from Castle Archdale Boat Hire. 

6. A taste of Fermanagh 

Enniskillen, the largest town in County Fermanagh, is a scenic delight with a beautiful lakeside setting (it’s actually an island), a historic castle and very friendly locals. It’s also a go-to for great food in County Fermanagh. Get to know the essential stops on the Enniskillen Taste Experience, which brings you on a stroll through the town’s food and drink scene with tastings and meet-ups with local suppliers.  

Blakes at the Hollow is a fabulous Victorian pub in the town, with a beautiful traditional interior and live music every Friday night. And for something a little off the beaten track, try The Linnet Inn, Fermanagh’s only thatched pub, set in the rural village of Boho.  

With tranquil walks, laid-back pubs, forest hideaways and gorgeous on-the-water experiences, Lough Erne has most certainly earned its place as one of the most relaxing destinations on the island of Ireland.