Fermanagh is a land of low rolling hills and lakes. Upper and Lower Lough Erne effectively cut the county in half and a visit to the county is essentially a tour around these two dominant features. there are many interesting historical sites and features in the county. The following is only a taster.
A typical lakeland view from the small limestone hill above Knockninny Quay on upper Lough Erne. The hill itself is unusual geologically and is home to plants not found in the rest of the area. But the view is typical. A great place to be on a summer's night.
The lake islands are full of interesting ruins and remains from past generations. Most impressive is Devinish a monastic site dating to the sixth century. Its crowning feature is its fine twelfth century round tower. there are also ruins dating from the 13th to 16th centuries.
Surrounding the lakes are a number of large landed estates. Crum, Castlecoole and Florence Court are all operated by the National Trust and open to visitors. Florence Court was built in mid eighteenth century. Side wings and pavilions later c. 1771. It all looks very dramatic set within its surrounding landscape on a evening like this with a moody sky.
The county town at the intersection of Upper and Lower Lough Erne is Enniskillen. This has a fine castle and museum and a well preserved Main Street with a high number of independent shops. The two churches facing each other at the top of the street are worth visiting as is the town hall at the top of the hill at the other end of the street. This dates from 1899 and has statues of busby wearing Enniskillen Fusiliers in its tall tower, reflecting the town's long former history as a garrison town. The regimental museum housed in the Maguire town house in the courtyard of the town museum is also well worth a visit.
Fermanagh has a high number of surviving traditional houses when compared to other counties. Combined with the dramatic landscape of the county these can be very beautiful. This is Mullylusty cottage on the hillside above Belcoo. Limewashed walls, scollop thatch a single entrance to one side of a centrally placed living room with a large hearth fire on the opposite cross wall. This building is very well integrated to its moorland surroundings.
This is Curry’s Cottage in Teemore near Derryln in the county. It is a mud walled building with timber cruck trusses which rise from the floor to support its thatched roof. Its form is very old and similar to those illustrated on the campaign maps of the English in the early Seventeenth century. A rare survival in a unique place.
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