Why families should visit Northern Ireland's County Fermanagh this summer

19.08.2023 - 09:07 / nationalgeographic.com

Fancy sleeping in a see-through dome? Built for two, Finn Lough’s bubbles are set in private woodland and come with double beds and rolltop baths. All of which makes them perfect for stargazing or just relaxing in — particularly with the rain pinging off their transparent shells. An on-site spa adds a Finnish sauna, hot tubs and float room, and The Barn serves small plates that go big on local flavours.

If you like that: Book one of the lakeside studios at four-star Killyhevlin Hotel, overlooking Lough Erne. 

This UNESCO Global Geopark straddles the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and includes a cave system carved by Cuilcagh mountain’s waterways. Descend into a sinkhole for a mile-long tour that sometimes involves a short boat trip and always involves ghost stories.

If you like that: Continue your cross-border adventures at Cavan Burren Park, a confluence of prehistoric tombs, geological phenomena, fossils and local legends linked by short walking trails.

Nearly a third of County Fermanagh is covered with lakes, rivers and canals. Rent a small boat with Erne Boat Hire, in Enniskillen, and take a 30-minute trip to Devenish Island, an early Christian site with a fairytale, 12th-century round tower. For longer journeys, you can hire a cruiser with Carrickcraft, at Bellanaleck. 

If you like that: Don’t fancy taking the wheel yourself? Head off for an hour-long tour from Enniskillen in the bright yellow Erne Water Taxi. 

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, in Enniskillen, does exactly what it says on the tin, offering tidy cuts amid a hoard of memorabilia — from uniforms to model trains, signalling instruments, lamps and tickets. Haircuts are available to men only, but the museum is open to all. 

If you like that: You won’t be able to get a haircut at Florence Court, but another trip back in time is on the cards at the 18th-century estate with pleasure garden trails. 

The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail gets its nickname from the eye-poppingly divine views of Cuilcagh Mountain it affords hikers. Allow at least 3.5 hours for the seven-mile round-trip, and be sure to stick to the boardwalk to protect the fragile bogland ecosystem. 

If you like that: The Magho Cliff Walk from Lough Navar Forest Park rewards a steep initial climb (around 370 steps) with lake and escarpment views.