Page 257 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 25: Fermanagh Lakelands 255

Above left Monea Castle ruins, near Belcoo
pm weekends only; call in advance on 15th century by the Maguire Above Enchanting setting of Enniskillen Castle
028 6634 8249), was occupied by the family. Standing at the narrowest
Earls of Enniskillen until the early crossing point between the two
1950s, when it was acquired by the loughs, it has had an interesting EAT AND DRINK
National Trust. A guided tour reveals history and has been used as an
rich Rococo plasterwork – especially English garrison fort and military BELLEEK
on the ceilings of the dining room, barracks. The castle’s most stunning Thatch Coffee Shop inexpensive
Venetian room and staircase – all feature is the Water gate, a fairy- Pretty thatched tea room in the centre
restored following a fire in 1955, and tale twin-turreted tower, best of Belleek, with daily specials and
home baking.
fine Irish furniture. The grounds admired from the far bank of the 20 Main St, BT93 3FX; 028 6865 8181
have a water-powered sawmill, an river. It now houses the Fermanagh Moohans Fiddlestone
ice house, a forge, a walled garden County Museum and the Traditional-style pub with an open fire
and a forest park with walking trails. Inniskilling Museum. and regular music sessions.
ª At the exit, turn right, signposted Also in Enniskillen is the 15–17 Main St, BT93 3FY; 028 6865 8008
Enniskillen/A4. Then turn left onto the Buttermarket, a delightful enclave of AROUND MARBLE ARCH CAVES
A32 for Enniskillen and after 3 km small art galleries, craft studios and MacNean House and Restaurant
(2 miles), turn right. Continue for coffee shops set in the restored expensive
4 km (2 miles) to reach Bellanaleck. 19th-century dairy market. Run by award-winning chef Neven
Park at the lace museum. ª Leaving Enniskillen, follow signs Maguire. Outstanding food prepared
for Belfast/A4. Castle Coole is just with local ingredients and great
4 Bellanaleck over 2 km (1 mile) from Enniskillen. ambience in a village location 19 km
(12 miles) west of Enniskillen on N16.
Co Fermanagh An admission charge per car is taken Main St, Blacklion; Co Cavan; 071 985
The quirky Sheelin Antique Irish on the driveway. 3022; www.macneanrestaurant.com;
Lace Museum (open Mon–Sat) in closed Mon & Tue
Bellanaleck has around 700 6 Castle Coole ENNISKILLEN
examples of lace made in Ireland Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh; BT74 6JY The Jolly Sandwich inexpensive
between 1850 and 1900. It also sells One of Ireland’s finest Neo-Classical Buzzy daytime café/deli serving
vintage lace and linen, including houses, Castle Coole (open Mar–Sep; all-day breakfast, toasties, cupcakes
wedding dresses and veils, baby house pm only; call in advance on 028 and coffee.
bonnets, lace coasters and more. 6632 2690), was commissioned by the 3 Darling St, BT74 7DP; 028 6632 2277;
There is a sweet little tea shop first Earl of Belmore in the 1790s. Its closed Sun
next door. expense nearly bankrupted him. The Blake’s of The Hollow/Café Merlot
ª From Bellanaleck, take the A509 splendid Regency furnishings can moderate
north and turn right onto the A4 for be appreciated on a guided tour, Blake’s, the pub, is full of character,
with an original Victorian bar. Below
Enniskillen. For Enniskillen Castle, highlights of which include the State the pub, Café Merlot serves tasty
keep left through the town and park Bedroom, the Oval Saloon and the European dishes, slow-roast meats
at the free car park beside the castle. servants’ quarters. There is a lovely and seafood.
lakeside walk in the grounds. 6 Church St, BT74 7EJ; 028 6632 2143;
5 Enniskillen ª Take Castle Coole Road back towards www.blakesofthehollow.com
Co Fermanagh Enniskillen. Keep left at the mini Café Merlot: 028 6632 0918
This lively county town is situated roundabout and then turn right at the Franco’s Restaurant moderate
on an island between Lower and lights. At the roundabout, take the 4th Seafood is the speciality, but there is
also rib-eye steak, rack of lamb and
Upper Lough Erne. Its main sight is exit for the A32 for Irvinestown and Kesh. duck, as well as pasta and pizza.
Enniskillen Castle (open Mon–Sat; After 5 km (3 miles), turn left at the Queen Elizabeth Road, BT74 7DY; 028
Jul & Aug also Sun), built in the early roundabout onto the B82 for Killadeas. 6632 4424; www.francosrestaurant.co.uk
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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