Enniskillen is the largest town in county Fermanagh with a population of over 11,500, and is located almost exactly in the centre of the county. The town is built on a natural island about halfway between upper and lower Lough Erne. Enniskillen won Irelands's best kept town award in 2000, demonstrating the beauty of this tranquil town. Enniskillen has many shops and a lively cultural scene, including a lakeside theatre.
The settlement of Enniskillen dates back to prehistory. It was on the main highway from Ulster to Connaught, and was the principal crossing point on the Erne. Enniskillen castle was built in the 15th century by the Maguires, then chieftains of Fermanagh. The castle now houses the Fermanagh County Museum, and a heritage centre. The most striking feature of the castle is the Watergate, two turrets which were added to the castle to dominate the water approach to the castle.
The town and surrounding countryside hold some places of great interest, including Enniskillen castle, the marble arch caves, Castle Coole house and Devinish Island (see the activities page for more information.)
Full information on angling in the area can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre, Wellington Road, Enniskillen. Phone: (028) 6632 3110
Enniskillen Castle was built in the 15th century by the Maguires, then chieftains of Fermanagh. The castle now houses the Fermanagh County Museum, and a heritage centre. The most striking feature of the castle is the Watergate, two turrets which were added to the castle to dominate the water approach to the castle.
The Buttermarket is a restored nineteenth century market which now houses craft workshops and exhibitions, with street entertainment and traditional music.
Ardhowen arts centre houses a restaurant, an exhibition area and a theatre.
Devinish Island is one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. The monastery was originally founded by St. Molaise in the sixth century, but most of the ruins date from the twelfth century. There is a surviving round tower which stands eighty one feet and has a cornice carved with four human heads. A ferry crosses from Trory point from April to September.
At Killadeas Graveyard there is an early Christian carved stone known as 'Bishops Stone'.