Page 276 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

274  IRELAND REGION B Y REGION

u A Tour of Lower Lough Erne

Fermanagh lakelands around Lower Lough Erne boasts
a rich combination of both natu ral and historic sights.
From pre-Christian times, settlers sought the security
offered by the lough’s forests and inlets. Monasteries
were founded on several of its many islands in the
Middle Ages, and a ring of castles recalls the Plantation
era (see p43). The lake is a haven for waterbirds such as
ducks, grebes and kingfishers, and the trout-rich waters
attract many anglers. Lough Erne is a delight to explore
by land or by boat. In summer, ferries serve several Small craft on Lower Lough Erne
islands, and cruisers are available for hire. 5 Boa Island
Two curious double-faced figures
stand in Caldragh cemetery, a
Christian graveyard on Boa Island.
6 Castle Caldwell Forest While little is known about the stone
Castle Caldwell’s wooded idols, they are certainly pre-Christian.
7 Belleek peninsulas are a sanctuary for
Northern Ireland’s birds, and you can watch
most westerly village, waterfowl from hides on the B13
Belleek is famous for shore. You may see great crested A47
its pottery (see p273). grebes, the common scoter duck
Lusty Beg
and perhaps even otters.

Ballyshannon A47 L o w e r L o u g h E r n e
R230
Erne
Cliffs of Magho
A46 J

B52
A4
Sligo B81

Tips for Walkers
8 Lough Navar Forest Drive
An 11-km (7-mile) drive through Length: 110 km (68 miles).
pine forest leads to a viewpoint Stopping-off points: Outside
atop the Cliffs of Magho, with a Enniskillen, the best places to eat
magnificent panorama over Lough are the pubs in Kesh and Belleek; 9 Tully Castle
Erne and beyond. Trails weave in summer, a café opens in Castle A delightful 17th-century-
through the woods. Archdale Country Park. There are style herb garden has been
good picnic places all along the
route of this tour, including at planted and is maturing
Key well alongside this fortified
the Cliffs of Magho viewpoint
Tour route (see also pp365–7). Plantation house.
Other roads
For key to symbols see back flap

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