Things To Do
in Enniskillen

Enniskillen is a historic market town perched on a narrow stretch of land between Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Its island castle and waterfront are iconic, offering a glimpse into centuries of war, trade, and community life. The town blends medieval and Georgian architecture with welcoming pubs, cafes, and galleries, all set against a lakeland backdrop.

Visitors can enjoy scenic lake cruises, easy day trips to the surrounding countryside, and a warm, hospitable atmosphere from locals.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Enniskillen and check into your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe while soaking in views of the stunning landscapes. After breakfast, take a stroll along the banks of the River Erne to get acquainted with the town's charm.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Enniskillen Castle, where you can explore the museum and learn about the region's rich history. Spend the afternoon wandering through the town's boutique shops and artisan markets. Don't forget to stop by a local pub for a taste of traditional Irish stew.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy restaurant that offers locally sourced ingredients. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the town, enjoying the twinkling lights reflecting off the river. Wind down with a nightcap at a local bar, often featuring live music.

day 2
Lakeside Adventures
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a boat trip on Lough Erne. Experience the serene beauty of the lake and its surrounding islands. Keep an eye out for the variety of wildlife as you cruise along the waters.

afternoon
:

After your boat trip, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the lakeside parks, surrounded by stunning views. Spend the afternoon hiking along one of the many scenic trails in the area. Take in the beautiful landscapes and perhaps spot some historical ruins along the way.

evening
:

Return to Enniskillen and choose a restaurant that offers Italian cuisine for dinner. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while sampling dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Conclude your evening with a walk through the lively streets of the town.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥗Lunch for 2 at cafe$25-40
🍽Three-course dinner for two$40-70
Coffee and pastry$4-6
🚶Day pass for local transport$6-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Gateway to Fermanagh lakelands and outdoor activities
  • Compact town with walkable center and lakeside scenery
  • Friendly locals and rich cultural heritage
  • Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
  • Weather can be changeable and rainy
  • Seasonal boat and activity schedules may be affected by weather

Places to Visit in Enniskillen

Visit one of these nice places.

Enniskillen Castle and Lough Erne waterfront

Historic walls, moored boats, and sweeping lake views create compelling sunrise or golden-hour photos.

Butter Market & town waterfront

Cobblestones, arches, and water reflections provide charming urban lakeside photography opportunities.

St Macartin's Cathedral and pedestrian quays

Gothic architecture and riverside paths offer dramatic angles and interior light shots.

Cuilcagh Mountain viewpoints (short drive away)

Aboard the boardwalk and peak vistas deliver expansive Lakelands scenery, especially at sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Enniskillen

Enniskillen’s cuisine reflects Ulster hospitality with hearty pub fare, fresh local produce, and modern takes on classics. You’ll find seafood from the surrounding lakes, lamb and beef from local farms, and abundant bread-and-potatoes traditions enhanced by contemporary dining.

Enniskillen Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ulster Fry

A hearty breakfast plate featuring bacon, sausages, eggs, black and white pudding, tomatoes, and soda bread.

Must-Try!

Boxty

Traditional potato pancake often served with fillings such as bacon or smoked salmon.

Lough Erne smoked salmon

locally cured salmon served with brown bread or on a platter at pubs and bistros.

Irish Stew

Slow-cooked lamb or beef stew with root vegetables, a comforting staple in many pubs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Butter Market

A historic market area where you can often find local cheeses, artisanal breads, jams, and small bites from stalls or adjacent cafés.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate in Enniskillen is temperate maritime, with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is common year-round, and conditions can change quickly, so layers and a light waterproof jacket are wise. Average temperatures range from about 15-20°C in summer to around 2-6°C in winter, with more variability in shoulder seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and greetings

A friendly hello and a handshake are common; queue patiently in shops and pubs; respect local conversations and personal space.

Quiet in pubs

Pubs are social but often quieter than city nightlife spots; avoid loud behavior and respect live music sessions.

Driving

Drive on the left; roads can be narrow in rural areas; give way to oncoming traffic on single-track roads.

Safety Guide

Safety

Enniskillen is generally safe for visitors, but standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure, beware of water around the lake, and use licensed taxis or reputable transport options. Check weather and boating conditions before water activities. In emergencies, dial 999 or 112.

Tipping in Enniskillen

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In pubs and restaurants, staff often appreciate a tip of 10-15% if service is good; many places include a service charge, so check the bill first.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless is common; carry some cash for small vendors or rural outlets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Milder days return; flowers bloom around the town and along the lake shores; carry light rain gear and layers for variable weather.

Summer

Longer daylight hours and comfortable temperatures make lake trips and boat tours ideal; pack sunscreen and hats; expect occasional showers.

Autumn

Foliage turns golden; cool days with crisp air; great time for photography along the water and forest trails.

Winter

Shorter days and cooler temperatures; some outdoor activities reduce in scale; indoor pubs and cafes become cozy hubs.

Nightlife Guide

Enniskillen at Night

Enniskillen offers a relaxed nightlife scene centered on traditional pubs with live music, local crafts, and riverside views. Expect casual venues, friendly chat, and occasional evenings of folk songs or contemporary sets rather than large-scale clubbing. For a special night out, seek out a lakeside pub with a fireplaceside atmosphere and seasonal local fare.

Hiking in Enniskillen

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cuilcagh Mountain Boardwalk

A popular hike with a wooden boardwalk leading to panoramic Lakelands views.

Lough Navar Forest Park

Forest trails with viewpoints over Lough Navar and the surrounding countryside.

Monea Fort and Surrounding Trails

Historic ruins with lakeside scenery and easy-to-moderate hikes.

Airports

How to reach Enniskillen by plane.

City of Derry Airport (LDY)

Regional flights; about 80-100 km from Enniskillen.

Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Major international flights; roughly 150-190 km away.

Belfast City Airport (BHD)

Domestic and limited international flights; about 150-190 km away.

Dublin Airport (DUB)

Major international hub; approximately 230-260 km away.

Getting Around

Walkability

Enniskillen is quite walkable in the town center, with most attractions within a short stroll. The lakeside paths are pleasant for pedestrians, though some lake access points require steps or gentle hills. For longer lake tours or countryside excursions, a short drive or taxi may be needed.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of communities with Catholic and Protestant backgrounds, contributing to a friendly, small-town atmosphere.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Gaelic football

A traditional sport with local clubs in the region.

Soccer (Football)

Local and national leagues played by community clubs.

Rugby

Club rugby teams and regional competition.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light to moderate outside peak times. The town has a central ring road, while surrounding rural roads can be narrow. Public transport includes bus services to nearby towns, with limited rail options nearby.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Enniskillen.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many venues offer vegetarian options such as veggie pastas, grilled vegetables, salads, and veggie pies; ask for egg-free or dairy-free adaptations when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Northern Ireland is provided by the NHS. Visitors can access GP services in town, and major hospitals are located in the Western Health and Social Care Care Trust area in nearby towns. In an emergency, dial 999 for urgent medical assistance.

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