Irish rugby star and Love Island fan favourite Greg O'Shea headed west to experience a taste of everything that County Fermanagh has to offer - and we followed his every move. Here's how to do it yourself.
Day One
Morning: Travel to Fermanagh
Fermanagh’s tranquil lakelands are only a 90-minute journey from Belfast or Derry~Londonderry and easily accessible by car or by public transport. Travelling up from Dublin will add a little extra time to the journey, but it’s still a straightforward trip.
- From Belfast: Translink operates the Goldliner X261 service which directly connects Belfast to Enniskillen, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours. By car, it’s a straightforward route following the M1 and adjoining A4 road from Belfast straight to Enniskillen, with total travel time roughly the same as by bus.
- From Derry~Londonderry: There’s no direct bus between Derry~Londonderry and Enniskillen, but you can take one of a number of buses to Omagh and then hop on a connecting bus. By car, travel southbound on the A5 towards Strabane, and from there head further south along the B72 and A47 to Enniskillen town.
- From Dublin: Bus Éireann operates the 30/X30 bus service, which runs from Dublin Busáras bus station via Dublin Airport directly to Enniskillen. By car, the most direct route is via the M3 and N3 towards Cavan, and then simply following the road straight to Enniskillen. Journey time is approximately 2.5 hours by car, and a little longer if taking the bus.
Afternoon: Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh Boardwalk
There’s no better way to see the beauty of Fermanagh than… by going underground? Approximately 12 miles southwest of Enniskillen, the Marble Arch Caves are without question one of the most spectacular natural attractions on the island of Ireland.
Beneath the green hills of Cuilcagh Mountain lies a labyrinth of limestone caves, sinkholes, subterranean rivers and rare geological formations. On the tour, you’ll follow carefully lit paths through the winding passages and vast underground chambers of the most active river cave system in the UK and Ireland, with expert guides on hand to bring the caves’ story to life.
The tour takes around 75 minutes and - if water levels allow - your ticket will also include a short boat trip along the underground river, which is highly recommended.
Before or after exploring the caves, grab lunch at Lilly May's Café at the visitor centre - a solid spot to fuel up before tackling what comes next.
Because once you've seen Fermanagh from below, it's time to see it from above.
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail - also known as the Stairway to Heaven - starts from the Marble Arch Caves visitor centre and ascends to the viewing platform at the edge of Cuilcagh mountain’s summit plateau. The 4-mile trail is a moderate hike that followings a linear route along the famous boardwalks, taking between two and five hours depending on fitness.
From the viewing platform, experience breathtaking views over the surrounding lowlands with a truly show-stopping panorama that includes rust-coloured blanket bog, scattered rocks and boulders and the inky blue glimmer of Lough MacNean to the north.
If the weather is on your side, time your descent to catch the sunset: the views at golden hour from this elevation aren’t something you’ll forget in a hurry.
Evening: Check in at The Westville Hotel
After a day of exploration, you’ve earned a comfortable rest and the Westville Hotel delivers exactly that. A stylish four-star boutique hotel that’s ideally located just minutes from heart of Enniskillen, it offers luxury and comfort that’s perfect for romantic breaks or longer stays alike.
The hotel's WV Bar has an excellent menu served daily from noon to 9pm, and with live music at weekends, regular entertainment nights, a creative cocktail menu and an extensive wine list, it's perfect for gathering and socialising after a day out in the Lakelands.
Dinner: The Firehouse, Enniskillen
For dinner, The Firehouse is one of Enniskillen’s most popular spots. Known for its stone-baked pizza oven, great food, good energy and a cracking cocktail menu, it’s the kind of spot that makes a night in Fermanagh feel properly alive.
Afterwards, why not enjoy a drink or two in one of Enniskillen’s many lively pubs and bars. Charlie’s Bar is a beloved local institution with live music at the weekends and a proper open-fire atmosphere, while Blakes of the Hollow is a Victorian pub that’s remaining largely untouched since 1887. It’s home to one of the Game of Thrones Doors which is a great reason to pop your head in, while the pints of Guinness are a great reason to stay.
Finally, The Crowes Nest is one of the oldest bars on the high street and a firm favourite for its hearty pub grub, live music and buzzy atmosphere. The perfect spot to chat with the locals and soak in the atmosphere before turning in for the night.
Day Two
Morning: Enniskillen Taste Experience
Start your second day with an appetite: the Enniskillen Taste Experience is a three-hour gourmet tasting tour, where you’ll experience the tastes, sounds and sights of Enniskillen town guided by a local expert.
Part food tour, part local history lesson, you’ll get the chance to experience over 20 Fermanagh food and drink specialities from award-winning producers and local businesses unique to the county.
The tour starts at Enniskillen Castle, from where you’ll be guided around the town to sample produce including Joe the Baker's sourdough, Pat O’Doherty’s famous black bacon, Tickety Moo Ice cream, Boatyard Gin, Sharon’s mouth-watering scones, Innishmacsaint beer and more.
Afternoon: Coffee & Explore Enniskillen
If you still have room after all that tasting, a strong coffee and a gentle wander around Enniskillen town is the obvious move.
FOLK Espresso & Boulangerie is well worth seeking out: a micro bakery-café that specialises in French-style pastries, long-fermented sourdough and fine coffee. The Gourmet Grocer is a short walk from here, and where you’ll find an excellent range of local and artisan produce to take home with you.
Evening: Sunset Kayaking with Blue Green Yonder
One of those experiences that looks incredible on Instagram but is somehow even better in real life, there’s no better way to see the Fermanagh Lakelands up close than from the hull of a kayak.
Blue Green Yonder runs a range of outdoor adventure activities from Enniskillen town, including their signature Sunset Paddle Safari. Experience the evening views and the reflection of the sunset on the waters of Lower Lough Erne, a peaceful and rewarding way to discover Fermanagh’s landscape at a slower pace.
Whether you’re a kayaking pro or you’ve never picked up a paddle in your life, the tours are suitable for all ability levels with qualified instructors to keep you right and guide you along the route.
Dinner: 28 At The Hollow
28 At The Hollow is one of the best fine dining experiences in Fermanagh and possibly one of the most atmospheric restaurants on the island of Ireland.
Stowed away in the vaulted space beneath Blakes of the Hollow, the restaurant delivers outstanding modern cooking with a 12-course tasting menu perfectly prepared using only the best locally sourced ingredients and an exceptional wine and champagne menu.
Day Three
Morning: Boatyard Distillery Tour
After check-out, make your way to one of County Fermanagh’s most distinctive visitor experiences. The Boatyard Distillery sits on the edge of Lough Erne at Tully Bay Marina, about 15 minutes from Enniskillen town.
Fermanagh’s first legal distillery since 1890, the Boatyard produces the finest spirits using high quality locally-grown botanicals and ingredients, with a meticulous production process.
The 90-minute tours are an immersive experience which include a guided walk through the history and origins of the distillery, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation and labelling process.
One top tip: leave the car keys at the hotel or make sure there’s a designated driver as the tastings are generous. You’ll get a tasting of the full spirits range, two cocktails and will also get to sign and label your own personalised bottle to take home.
Suggested stop: Castle Caldwell Forest
If you have the time spare, or you’d prefer an alternative to the distillery tour, Castle Caldwell Forest is well worth stopping at for a short wander.
There are a number of walks through pretty woodlands surrounded by Lower Lough Erne, and the site is also an important conservation site with bird sanctuaries and visiting red deer. A tranquil, peaceful spot that only takes half an hour or so to enjoy properly.
Afternoon: Check In At Finn Lough Resort
Finn Lough is a 75-acre forest and lakeside resort near Enniskillen, and its Bubble Dome accommodation is - simply put - one of the most extraordinary places to spend a night anywhere on the island of Ireland.
Nestled deep within the forest, the domes feature 180-degree transparent walls, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. A peaceful escape that’s a short five to ten-minute walk away to ensure true seclusion, you can escape the bustle of the outside world and - on a clear night - enjoy stargazing in total comfort.
Inside each, you’ll find a bespoke four-poster bed, ensuite bathroom and fluffy robes. There’s no Wi-Fi, no TV, just the forest, the night sky and the sound of Lough Erne in the background. Bliss.
Late Afternoon: Finn Lough Elements Spa
Once you’ve dropped your bags and settled in, hand yourself over to the Elements Spa Trail - a two-hour, self-guided thermal spa experience that’s tucked deep into the Finn Lough forest.
Taking you on a relaxing journey through a series of cabins dotted around the forest, the spa will treat you to five sensory areas include a salt float, two saunas, a hot tub and the forest relaxation room.
Dinner: Dining Experience at Finn Lough
Dinner this evening is in Lasari, Finn Lough's own restaurant. The kitchen takes its sourcing seriously, working with local producers and foraging from the surrounding forest to create a menu that highlights the provenance and quality of the ingredients and which changes with the seasons.
Afterwards, the House Bar is well worth visiting for a nightcap. If the mood takes you, there’s also a Vintage Cinema room where you can sink into plush seats, cocktail in hand, and enjoy a classic film before wandering back to your bubble through the forest.
Day Four
Morning: Belleek Pottery Tour
Check out after a slow start - breakfast hampers are delivered to your bubble dome, so there’s no reason to be anywhere fast - and, once you’re ready for the day ahead, head southwest from Finn Lough to the village of Belleek.
Belleek Pottery has been sitting on the banks of the River Erne since 1857, and is one of the top visitor attractions on the island of Ireland. Vital to the commercial and cultural history of Fermanagh, it continues to manufacture some of the highest quality and most sought-after fine china in the world.
The tour lasts for approximately 30 minutes and will show you the meticulous process behind making the pottery, with the chance to see the craftsmen and women at work as well as to try your hand at some of the processes yourself. Visitor participation is encouraged, including during the satisfying task of breaking the pieces that don’t match up to required standards!
Afternoon: Coffee In Belleek
The final stop on the itinerary is The Lemon Tree Coffee House on Belleek’s Main Street. A charming local café that serves fresh food and specialty bakes, in addition to a wide range of coffees, teas, matcha and more, it’s the perfect place for a final coffee before heading home.
Ready to plan your own giant adventure in County Fermanagh? Make sure to check out our accommodation, things to do and places to eat pages for more inspiration.