Fermanagh Lakelands and Glendarragh River Valley, Ederney - an oasis of calm in our busy world, where the beauty is breathtaking and the people are so welcoming.

In Fermanagh, we love the landscape that is a part of our lives and that shares with us its peace and tranquillity. Our world is a calmer place and we want our visitors to enjoy it just as much as we do. This is a land where you can almost taste the freshness of the air, where the gentle waters of river and lough soothe, and where the deafening silence of the countryside is broken only by the natural sounds of a land at peace with itself.

Whether you walk, cycle or ride through our stunning scenery, Fermanagh will captivate and enchant you and send you home a new and better person.

The Fermanagh Lakelands and the Glendarragh River Valley is truthfully a visitors' paradise and home to some of Ireland's natural wonders.

 Picture yourself in a calmer, more peaceful place, away from crowds, noise, traffic and stress.
 Picture yourself adrift from the pace of modern life.
 Picture yourself in a place where the days seem longer and the nights more tranquil.

Then picture yourself staying in the Glendarragh River Valley, exploring Donegal’s mountains and beaches or sailing on Lough Erne – one of the most uncongested lakes in Europe and a mecca for lovers of cruising, watersports, canoeing and fishing. You have the choice of renting your own cruiser or taking one of the regular, organised boat trips to experience the beauty of this spectacular lake.

Split into Lower Lough Erne, a 26-mile expanse of water stretching towards the Atlantic and Upper Lough Erne, flowing southeast of Enniskillen and a maze of wooded islands and inlets.

Some claim that Lough Erne is home to as many as 365 islands. One of its most famous and most historical is Devenish, a 6th Century monastic site that has a calmness all of its own. With a 12th Century round tower and a 14th Century ruined abbey, Devenish provides its visitors with a unique snapshot of ancient Christian life in Ireland.

WALKING

There is no shortage of walks with the most impressive taking in the shores of the impressive Lower Lough Erne.

Walkers can stay at shore level and enjoy an important wildlife habitat full of native woodland species, black-headed gulls and occasional heron. There are interesting scallop marks on the rocks and on a calm day the lough becomes a large mirror, offering peace and solitude. Up in the hills walkers are spoiled for choice, as numerous footpaths and roads wind through dense, attractive woodland in different directions. There are also breathtaking views from the Carrickreagh viewpoint. It should be noted that forest footpaths can be quite steep; care is required on loose surface areas. There are several busy roads, especially the country road, so walkers should take care.

Some recommended walks include:

CASTLE ARCHDALE FOREST WALK

An easy walk mixing forest and shore. The forest houses the 17th Century ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a wide variety of birdlife and, in the summer, a magnificent carpet of wild flowers. The bay was used during World War 2 as an important base for Flying Boats and there is a special Heritage Trail designed by aviation enthusiasts commemorating the history of the Canadian Flying Boat Squadrons who were based here.

CASTLE CALDWELL FOREST WALK

The walk around Castle Caldwell takes in a mixture of man-made and natural wonders. The ruins of the Castle, originally built in 1612, a stone kiln built in limestone rock and a half-moon limestone bench along the shoreline.

Natural beauty is everywhere, with part of the shoreline designated as a National Forest Nature Reserve. There are also fine views across rolling farmland, Lough Erne and the Magho Cliffs. Don’t forget to visit The Fiddlers Stone, a memorial to a fiddler who fell drunk from a boat in 1770.

CUILCAGH MOUNTAIN PARK

Cuilcagh Mountain and the Marlbank area provide some of the most spectacular scenery in Fermanagh. At 665 metres high, Cuilcagh is the highest point in Fermanagh and is the focus of an area rich in geology, geomorphology, flora and fauna. The park is also within an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

LOUGH NAVAR FOREST WALK

Panoramic views from the Aghameelan Viewpoint stretch as far as the eye can see over Lough Erne to Counties Leitrim and Donegal. Along the walk there are areas full of birds, insects and interesting plants. A somewhat more challenging walk takes you to the waterfall, but the difficult conditions underfoot are worth the effort to view the waterfall in a hidden glade where the stream dives 15 metres onto rocks below.

CYCLING

Fermanagh is part of The National Cycle Network in Northern Ireland - a network of signed cycle ways that are here for everyone to enjoy! The routes vary from traffic-free and family-friendly to ‘challenge’ and long-distance routes.

The Castle Archdale Family Cycle trail developed by the Countryside Access & Activities Network (CAAN) is one not to be missed! Along with cycle trails from Enniskillen Castle to Castle Coole and within the Crom Estate this diverse range of cycle routes will allow you to marvel at one of Ireland’s most important nature conversations, fantastic views over Lough Erne as well as some of the treasures of the National Trust!

The Kingfisher Cycle Trail: Fermanagh & Leitrim are home to the Kingfisher Cycle Trail; This unique mixture of Lakeland’s, canal side tracks, rolling hills, leafy laneways and mountain climbs make the Kingfisher Trail the ideal choice for all levels of Cyclist. The overall figure of 8 encompasses a number of shorter trails which are designed for anything for 1 day to 8 day tours. The Kingfisher Cycle Trail is over 300 miles of public roadway winding through rural countryside, Lakeland’s, Atlantic Coast and Mountain Trail.
www.cycletoursireland.com

The North West Cycle Trail: The North West Trail is a 326km circular cycle route through counties Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim, and Sligo in the North West of Ireland. Travelling through a wide variety of scenic landscapes, utilising quiet country roads with some traffic free sections, mostly in urban areas. The route enjoys dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean, with scenic cycling in remote uplands and through rural towns and villages passing through the main towns of Enniskillen, Sligo, Donegal, Lifford, Strabane and Omagh.
www.northwest-trail.com

MARBLE ARCH CAVES GLOBAL GEOPARK

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is located in the rugged mountainous uplands and the gentle rolling lowlands of counties Fermanagh and Cavan. Taking in the world-famous Marble Arch Caves, the Geopark boasts some of the finest natural landscapes in Ireland and offers a window into the area's 650 million year past.

The caves were first explored by Édouard-Alfred Martel and Dublin naturalist Lyster Jameson in 1895[4], starting at the Cladagh Glen resurgence, already a popular tourist attraction[5]. Using a canvas boat, and with candles and magnesium flares for light, Martel and Jameson found 1,000 feet (305 m) of passages,[6] including the junction where the Owenbrean and the combined Aghinrawn and Sruh Croppa waters meet. In 1908 and later in 1935, groups of English cavers from Yorkshire Ramblers' Club explored further and discovered more chambers, the latter group reaching the limit of today's show cave.[5] In the late sixties a major breakthrough was made when a bypass to sump 1 was found, giving access to the Legnabrocky Way and Skreen Hill 2 and Skreen Hill 3 sections of the cave. A notable feature of the Legnabrocky Way is the Giants Hall, a large chamber 60m long, 30m high and 15m wide. Recently a diving connection was made to the nearby cave system of Prod's Pot - Cascades Rising bring to total length of the system to 8.9km

The Geopark takes in numerous sites throughout Cavan and Fermanagh many of which are open to the public. All of the sites provide for a vareity of interests including not only geology but also archaeology, history, folklore, wildlife and activities such as cycling and walking.

A Geopark is an area recognised by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) to have exceptional geological heritage.

ULSTER AMERICAN FOLK PARK

The Ulster American Folk Park brings to life the human drama behind three centuries of Irish emigration, telling the remarkable story of the vast human tide that crossed the Atlantic for the New World of North America. The journey starts in the thatched cottages of Ulster, including the famous “Mellon” homestead, continues aboard a crowded sailing ship and finishes among the homesteads of the American frontier.

Located 6 km outside of Omagh, the Ulster American Folk Park takes you back in time. Ulstermen were a substantial part of the Irish immigration into the USA and the museum complex explores the various reasons for this migration - which started long before the Great Famine. Adventurers and dissenters, the rich and the poor, crossed the Atlantic to pursue their individual American dream. Some with immense success - the number of Ulster-Scots signatories of the Declaration of Independence is one indicator.

The real strength of the Ulster American Folk Park, however, lies in the recreation of the actual experience of migration. Visitors are first guided through parts of an Irish village, consisting of smallholdings, cottages, churches and a blacksmith's workshop. Costumed guides are at hand and only too willing to talk and demonstrate their skills.

FISHING - ANGLING

The Fermanagh Lakelands is a haven for anglers. With its abundance of Loughs and Rivers, our waters offer game anglers the opportunity to fish for salmon and wild brown trout as well as stocked rainbow and brown trout. The famous sonaghan, ferox and gillaroo can also be found in these diverse waters.

The Coarse angler will find some of the finest fishing available in Europe, with bream, roach and hybrids in abundance as well as perch and tench. Add to this pike fishing that is second to none - whether seeking to catch them on fly or in a more traditional manner and the region offers all anglers wonderful opportunities.

There is no close season for the coarse fisherman and it is possible for the game angler to fish during all twelve months as our designated rainbow fisheries remain open all year round.

There are many popular Loughs, rivers and fisheries that are easily accessed by visitors. Lough Erne & Lough Melvin being the more well known.

Lough Erne:

Lough Erne is made up of the Upper Lough East of Enniskillen and the Lower Lough which runs west to Belleek. The Lough is a mixed coarse and game fishery. The game angling, in the main, takes place on the Lower Lough although trout are found throughout the system. The Lower Lough is a large expanse of water, over 15 miles long with numerous islands and bays. These provide vast areas of shallow water and rocky shores making for ideal fishing grounds. Although a limited number of salmon run the Lough wild brown trout are the quarry and the Lough holds an excellent head of fish.

The average with of fish caught fly fishing is in the 1.5 to 2lbs range. However each season will see a good number from 3lbs to 7lbs or more. The trout are pretty evenly distributed throughout the Lower Lough, and although there is a natural movement throughout the year and definite migration towards the spawning streams and rivers in late summer and early autumn.

Area: 15,303 Hectares
Species: Brown Trout & Salmon
Season: 1st March – 30th September
Methods: Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing. Whilst shore fishing is possible the majority of the fishing is by boat in the traditional Irish Lough style.
Limits: 6 trout per rod per day. Min takeable size – 30cm
Other Restrictions: When trolling, fishing rods and lines or hand lines shall not be used in excess of: A – four in a boat occupied by three or more people; B – three in a boat occupied by two people, and C – two in a boat occupied by one person. A separate licence and permit is required for each rod.
Boats: Fishing from mechanical and non mechanical boats is permitted
Licence: 19 and over – FCB Game Fishing Licence. 12 to 19 – FCB Juvenile Game Fishing Rod Licence.
Under 12 – None.
Permit: Over 19 – DCAL Game Fishing permit. Under 19 – DCAL Juvenile Game Fishing Permit
Disabled Access: On the Lower Lough there is access at Stewarts Shore and limited access at Ely Lodge, Boa Island Bridges, Muckross and Trory and on the Town stretches in Enniskillen

Lough Melvin:

Sitting on the western end of Co. Fermanagh this is one of Ireland’s most famous Loughs. It is home to three distinct species of trout – the magic sonaghan, the gillaroo and the ferox – as well as enjoying a run of spring salmon and grilse. Fishing starts in February with the arrival of the first salmon and continues through the months with grilse from May to July and wonderful trout fishing throughout the season. Trolling is the most used method for the springers but fly fishing for the sonaghan and gillaroo, as well as the grilse, is excellent.

Area: 424 Hectares
Species: Salmon, grilse, brown, sonaghan, gillaroo and ferox trout
Season: 1st February – 30th September
Methods: All legal methods
Limits: 6 Trout – minimum takeable size 28cm
Other Restrictions: None – other than those that may be laid down by the Association
Boats: Fishing from boats with engines permitted
Licence: 19 and over – FCB Game Fishing Rod Licence. 12 to 19 – FCB Juvenile Game Fishing Rod
Licence. Under 12 – None
Permit: As issued by the Garrison & Lough Melvin Anglers Association
Disabled Access: None

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ABOUT ECOTOURISM

So how does Ecotourism benefit the environment, local community and economy?

Environmental issues:

By encouraging travellers to behave in an environmentally responsible way. EcoTour operators offer relevant information and advice on how travellers can minimise their impact on the ecosystem as well as how they can contribute to the protection of fragile ecosystems.

By offering travellers the opportunity to participate in conservation or preservation projects. An important element of this type of project is education. The goal is that through participation, eco travellers will return home with increased awareness and concern for environmental issues and therefore continue to behave in an environmentally conscious way.

Social issues:

By involving the local community in aspects of planning, decision-making and management of ecotourism. This encourages the empowerment of individuals.

By educating travellers through leaflets, interpretation and advice from Tour operators or guides about the culture, customs and etiquette of locals. This prevents conflict or offence between local and traveller interactions that may be caused through misunderstanding or ignorance.

Economic issues:

By employing local people whenever possible and paying fair wages. This prevents exploitation and benefits the local economy by preventing leakages of the revenue acquired through tourism.

Many Ecotour operators are involved in working on initiatives and projects with the local community such as training and education programmes.

GUIDELINES FOR ECOTRAVEL - RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL ADVICE

As an eco- traveller it is your responsibility to prevent or minimise any negative impacts on the environment, local community and economy of the destination you are visiting. Our aim is to provide guidelines that will help you to remember the principles of ecotourism throughout your trip.

Before you go

■ Choose your travel provider on the basis of their eco principles and practices.
■ Educate yourself about the destination you are visiting by reading guidebooks and travel articles.
■ Be aware of local history, culture and customs of the locals before arriving. Learn enough knowledge of the language to be polite i.e. hello, please and thankyou. By making the effort to learn even the basics it will be appreciated by locals; and enrich your experience.
■ When packing, if you want to bring gifts for local people in developing countries don't give sweets; instead bring clothes and pens, and ask your tour operator or driver to give them to community elders so that you don't encourage begging from children.
■ Learn about the vital eco-systems before arriving.
■ Consider your Carbon Footprint when using air travel. You could offset your carbon emmissions by using a service from a company like the CarbonNeutral Company

During your Stay

■ Be sensitive to the local culture by wearing clothing that is accepted. Be aware of people's sensitivity to being photographed; always ask first. Observe local customs.
■ Remember that you are a visitor and therefore be aware that your cultural values may differ from those of the locals. This may include different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc. which are not wrong or inferior, just different.
■ Demonstrate responsible behaviour to other travellers who are less informed than you by acting as an example.
■ Use local transportation, guides, inns, restaurants and markets to benefit the local economy.
■ Be sensitive to displays of wealth in front of people from developing countries. By displaying possessions such as cameras and jewellery, feelings of jealousy may be created which then generates barriers that inhibit genuine interactions between travellers and locals.
■ Ask your tour operator or guide what their established environmental guidelines are for limiting and improving tourist impact on the environment and local culture. General guidelines involve staying on trails, maintaining set distances away from wildlife, and not encouraging drivers to move too close to wildlife, even if it is tempting for getting a better picture.
■ Comply with international environmental conventions. Do not buy any animal products while travelling. Do not remove any objects, plants or animal products from nature. Not only can these affect fragile ecosystems, but is also illegal.
■ Conserve Resources. Be aware of resource shortages such as water and food as many tourist destinations are under increasing pressure.
■ Don't allow your guide to hunt endangered or threatened species or harvest rare plants for your consumption.
■ Encourage practices to conserve the environment, including the use of renewable resources in a sustainable manner and the conservation of non-renewable resources.

On return

Continue with your commitment to conservation at home by incorporating it into everyday life. Support organisations or societies that follow eco-principles and share your experiences with others with the goal of increasing awareness of environmental issues.

Conclusion

These recommended guidelines should be followed by all eco-travellers. However by choosing a tour operator through EcoTour Directory, a small part of the work has been done for you as the eco-policies of every listed operator has already been reviewed; and is displayed for you to read about.

By encouraging the tourism industry to comply with these policies on a local, regional and national level the aim is to restructure the tourism industry into making a positive impact towards environmental sustainability, economic sustainability for all stakeholders and the preservation of culture. By choosing only travel providers that hold eco-principles, the rest of the tourism industry will be forced to follow due to the power of consumer demand.