Page 258 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

256 BACK ROADS IRELAND

7 Lower Lough Erne
VISITING LOUGH ERNE Co Fermanagh
Lough Erne is divided into two
Exploring by boat
Boats can be rented for the day or half- distinct water systems. Upper Lough
day (Mar–Oct; 028 6862 8100; www. Erne is a maze of small channels and
manormarine.com). No experience joins the mighty Shannon river, while
required as instructions are given. Trips Lower Lough Erne is a vast lake set in
around the lake, on the Lady of the Lake unspoiled countryside, closer to the
cruise boat, passing Devenish, depart
from Rossclare Jetty at Killadeas sea. It is the perfect location for
(11:30am Sat year-round and 3pm activities such as water sports, bird-
daily Jul–Aug weather permitting); watching, boating and fishing, while
www.ladyofthelaketours.com. on land there are numerous trails for
hiking and cycling, as well as pony-
WHERE TO STAY trekking. There are over 150 small
islands and inlets to explore, and 12th-century round tower. Notice
LOWER LOUGH ERNE some of the larger islands boast the human faces carved above the
Manor House Country their own resorts. four windows, the only instance of
Hotel moderate To explore Lower Lough Erne, join such embellishment on an Irish
Situated 11 km (7 miles) from a cruise on board the comfortable round tower.
Enniskillen on the shores of Lough Lady of the Lake from Killadeas or White Island also has the remains
Erne along the B82 drive route, this rent a boat independently from of a 12th-century church, with eight
18th-century manor house combines
period elegance and modern comforts Manor House marina (see left). enigmatic figures along the interior
including a pool and sauna. Boats for One of the most interesting islands north wall. They are believed to
hire by the day or take a leisurely is Devenish Island, once called date from the 6th–9th centuries.
cruise around the lake (see above). Ox Island. It has the remains ª Leaving Killadeas, turn left onto the
Killadeas, BT94 1NY; 028 6862 2200; of a monastic settlement founded B82. After 2.5 miles (4 km), look for the
www.manorhousecountryhotel.com
by St Molaise in the 6th century, entrance to Castle Archdale Country
Lough Erne Resort expensive including a superb 25-m (82-ft) Park and park at the Visitor Centre.
Five-star resort in the shape of
luxury rooms and loughside lodges,
a spa and two championship-quality
golf courses. 8 Castle Archdale Country Park
Belleek Road, Enniskillen BT93 7ED; Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh; BT94 1PP
028 6632 3230; www.lougherneresort. This large country park on the shores of Lough Erne has mature
com
woodlands, a marina and a slipway, as well as many walking and
BOA ISLAND cycling trails and a red deer enclosure and butterfly garden. The
The Courtyard B&B moderate castle, built in the early 1600s, is now a ruin, accessible through
A private ferry takes visitors and their
cars to this idyllic 30-ha (75-acre) Castle Archdale Forest. The Visitor Centre, in the courtyard buildings
island. Tennis courts, indoor pool of the old manor house, has information on walks and wildlife. A
and nature trail. heritage trail links points of interest, including evidence of the park’s
Lusty Beg Island, Boa Island, Kesh,
BT93 8AD; 028 6863 3300; use by the RAF in World War II. In summer, boats are available for hire
www.lustybegisland.com to explore Lough Erne, and a ferry runs to White Island (see right).
A two-hour walking tour
White Island Start this 6-km (4-mile) walk at
Castle the Visitor Centre 1 and continue
Archdale
towards the walled garden 2, where
the road leads to the marina and
Tom’s Island caravan park. Enter the forest here
Davy’s Island and at the first junction turn left
Archdale towards the castle. Continue straight
Forest on to a cottage and a signpost for
Tom’s Island 3. Turn left here (if the
path is waterlogged, take the forest
Marina Walled road and then rejoin the path after
Garden
Visitor the jetty). Cross the causeway onto
Centre
0 metres 800 Inish Beg or Tom’s Island, keeping
left. The lakeside path has excellent
0 yards 800 views over to White Island (there is a
ferry to the island from the marina,
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £100; moderate, £100–£200; expensive, over £200

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