What to see and do
A pleasure playground for lovers of the great outdoors, the Lakelands offers an exhilarating abundance of things to see and do
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Things to see and do
While many visitors come to the Lakelands to relax and succumb to the quiet beauty of the scenery, there’s a lot more to offer than just refreshing tranquility. If you’re someone who likes the great outdoors then you’re in for a treat as the very best that nature has to offer is right on your doorstep! Fishing, cycling and walking opportunities are abundant; and golfers can test their skill on manicured parkland courses overlooked by breathtaking backdrops. Adrenaline hunters can tackle the larger Loughs on canoes and kayaks; or even try their luck wakeboarding, waterskiing and windsurfing. But for the more laid-back, the Shannon-Erne waterway offers some of the best cruising in the land and is renowned throughout Europe for its pristine depths, friendly locals and idyllic terrain.
Kicking back
To enjoy a touch of history mixed with the best possible modern conveniences, then make sure to check into one of the area’s luxury castle hotels. Lough Rynn Castle, County Leitrim, and Castle Leslie, County Monaghan, are both secluded and occupy exceptionally beautiful grounds, as well as the highest levels of comfort and service. If you prefer your accommodation to be a little more hands-on, you could learn how to master the kitchen under the watchful gaze of the experts at the Belle Isle Cookery School in Enniskillen. Of course, you can always just let the masters work their magic by visiting the MacNean House & Restaurant in Blacklion, County Cavan, where esteemed chef Neven Maguire rustles up fine dining and good old-fashioned Irish hospitality.
Culture vultures
Culturally, this region offers the chance to explore ancient castles, such as Enniskillen Castle in County Fermanagh, which was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires and occupied one of the most strategically important passes into Ulster. How about discovering the beautiful Lough Ennell shore-side oasis of Belvedere House; unearthing the lives of the Parsons family over the last 400 years at their ancestral home of the Birr Castle Demesne; or taking a step back in time with a trip to Clonmacnoise, an early Christian heritage site founded by St Ciaran in the mid-6th century? There is also no shortage of fascinating attractions – from the naturally formed Marble Arch Caves European Geopark in Fermanagh, which lets you explore a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls and winding passages; to the expressive diversity of culture on display at the Solstice Arts Centre in County Meath.
