Page 259 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 25: Fermanagh Lakelands 257

Above far left Turret-like lodges of the Lough
see right) and of Lough Erne, turn left for Caldragh Cemetery. Erne Resort Above left The tranquil waters of
stretching into the distance. Keep Park at the bottom of the road and Lower Lough Erne, a haven for wildlife Above
walking along the path past the jetty access the graveyard through the Courtyard buildings of the old manor house at
and then inland slightly, following turnstile on the left. Castle Archdale
the river. Continue along this and
cross the access road. At the bridge 9 Boa Island
and tarmac road into the Forest Co Fermanagh
Service car park, turn right. The ruins The largest of Lough Erne’s islands, VISITING CASTLE ARCHDALE
of Castle Archdale 4 are here. In Boa is joined to the mainland by
the summer this area is particularly bridges at both ends. It is notable Visitor Centre
Castle Archdale Country Park,
enchanting with colourful wild for two mysterious stone figures, to Irvinestown, is 17 km (11 miles)
flowers in bloom. Turn left uphill be found in the centre of Caldragh northwest of Enniskillen; 028 6862
and take the path behind the castle. Cemetery, an early Christian 1588; open Easter–Oct daily, Nov–
At the junction turn left, then left graveyard at the western end of the Easter Sun 10am–4pm only
again at the next forest road, and island. The first, the Boa Island Figure, Boat and Bike Hire
then right. To return to the visitor is a carved stone, 1 m (3 ft) high, with Boats and bikes can be hired at
centre, trace the route back to the two faces, back to back; it is also weekends from Easter to the end of
September, daily in July and August.
forest and follow the road past known as the Janus Figure after the Boats take up to six people and
the walled garden. Roman god with two faces. It is instructions are provided.
ª Turn left onto the B72 for Kesh believed to represent a Celtic deity Bike Rental: 028 6862 1892
and after 2 km (1 mile) turn left for and symbolize fertility, but its true Ferry Trips
the Kesh scenic route. The road significance is uncertain. It is said The White Island ferry makes the
surface is uneven but there are lovely to have inspired Seamus Heaney’s 20-minute crossing to White Island
views of Lough Erne, with a viewpoint poem “January God”. (Easter–Sep weekends only, Jul–Aug
daily). There is also a ferry from Trory
about 1 km (half a mile) along. The second, smaller figure beside Point to Devenish Island (6 km/4 miles
At Kesh, turn left at the junction and it, the Lusty Man, was originally from Enniskillen on A32; Apr–Sep daily).
then left again at the T-junction for discovered in a cemetery on Lusty
Pettigo/Belleek, crossing the bridge. Mor Island, just south of Boa Island,
Take the next left onto the A47 for and was moved to its present EAT AND DRINK
Boa Island. On the island, there is a location in 1939. It is thought to be The hotels in the area offer several
signposted turn for Lusty Beg Island. older than the Janus figure, but is options for drinking and dining (see
About 2 km (1 mile) after this, similarly shrouded in mystery. Where to Stay, left).

DAY TRIP OPTIONS for families. Book ahead for the A day on Lough Erne
Enniskillen is an ideal base, the area’s tour, which includes a boat ride and Take one of the access points for a
best sites being within easy reach. walk through immense caverns. On lakeside walk along Lower Lough
The first trip takes in Marble Arch the way back to Enniskillen, stop Erne 7 or hire a boat to do some
Caves, followed by a visit to pretty at the Sheelin Antique Irish Lace independent island-hopping.
Bellanaleck. The second option is a Museum in Bellanaleck 4 (vintage Alternatively, rent a bike from Castle
day on Lower Lough Erne – choose items for sale), and have lunch or Archdale Country Park 8 and cycle
to explore by boat, bike or on foot. afternoon tea in the tea room. around the shoreline.
Caverns and lace Follow the A32 southwest for 17 km Head north from Enniskillen on the
Marble Arch Caves 2 are a global (11 miles) to reach the caves. Return A32/B82 for Castle Archdale Country
geopark and a popular attraction on the A32/A509 via Bellanaleck. Park and Killadeas.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

254-257_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 257 13/10/17 1:06 pm