Enniskillen Things to Do

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The Town Hall stands on the Diamond, which was originally Enniskillen's central marketplace.

Once the site of a 17th century townhouse, the present building was designed in Renaissance style by one William Scott and built in 1857.

It's got some interesting statues on its clocktower, and the oak doors are hand carved.

Worth a look as you pass by.

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White Island in Lower Lough Erne is reached by a short ferry trip from Castle Archdale Bay, on the east side of the lake. Within the ruins of a 12th century monastery, through a Romanesque doorway, are a series of eight stone figures set into the wall. These unique figures are generally thought to date from some time between the 9th and 11th centuries and, naturally, there is also some debate about what most of them represent, (Christ, an abbot, a bishop, a king and so on).
On Boa Island on the north side of the same lake, this time connected to the shore by a main road, are two other enigmatic figures, (one a rather smaller version of the other). The main one is presumably a Celtic deity although it is often known as the 'Janus-figure' because more or less the same face is carved on both sides. It is thought to date from some time between the 5th and 9th centuries. (The cemetery in which these figures stand is signposted from the main road.)

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Devenish Island (in Irish: daimhinis, meaning Ox Island) is an island in Lower Lough Erne, north of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Aligned roughly north-south, it is about 2 km long and 1 km wide.
According to Wikipedia:

Devenish contains one of the finest monastic sites in Northern Ireland. A round tower thought to date from the 12th century is situated on the island. The round tower is some 30 metres tall and can be climbed using internal ladders.

The war memorial at Enniskillen is probably the main reason why this little town is known all over Ireland and the UK. During the rememberance day service in 1987 the IRA let off a bomb that killed 11 and injured 63.

The sad truth is that the town had a relatively good record as regards sectarianism compared to many parts of the province. This shocking action and subsequent outrage in some strange way led to greater calls for peace.

One result of such efforts is the Clinton centre that stands nearby (see seperate tip) and the addition of 11 metallic doves to the momument to symbolise those who lost their lives.

The town seems to downplay those events in the spirit of forgiveness and reconcilliation, a lesson to us all.

The Buttermarket area, just back from the main high street has been transformed into a craft area. There are a number of different shops and premisses around the courtyard and a rather good cafe called 'Rebecca's' in the centre.

The Cafe also has some rather impressive carved stones (copies I think) which give a little of the history on either side of the entrance.

The Cole monument stands in Forthill park, which stands at the back of the main part of the town. Just from the bottom of the edifice there is a fine view, but you can also climb the spiral steps inside for an even better view.

I was quite impressed that it was not a show of vanity on the Earl Cole's part, but his 'friends' raised the money to put up this tribute.

Interestingly, the Cole Monument is also said to have inspired the irish writer Oscar Wilde
, who attended Portora Royal Schoo in Enniskilen, to write "The Happy Prince" - fairy Tale (well he would write 'fairy' tales wouldn't he ?)

Next to the monument is also a rather fine Victorian Bandstand that is worth a look.

The Clinton centre in Enniskillen has been built just across the road from the horrific events of 1987 when 11 people were killed by an IRA bomb let off during a Armistice day (Nov 11th) day parade.

The building carries his name due to his efforts to end the sectarian divides and killing in Northern Ireland.

The hi-tech building is very eco-freindly and houses a small art gallery, a cafe, and a youth hostel.

No discounts for interns.

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This site contains the substantial remains of Lough Erne's most important island monastery. St Molaise founded it in the 6th century on an historic pilgrim route to Croagh Patrick. It later became an Augustine Priory of St Mary. The remains include a Romanesque church and a 12th century round tower, crosses and the Priory Church. Visitors can climb the islands most striking feature, the perfect round tower, which is 30 metres tall.

The churches have beautifully carved intricate details. There is also a museum which contains sculpture from the churches.

SUMMER OPENING HOURS (1st Apri l - 30thSept)
EHS ferry from Trory operates only in summer season
Ferry starts Good Friday to mid September
Open every day 10am to 6pm
There is a charge for use of ferry, opening of the museum and toilets.
Admission: Adult - £2.25, Ch/OAP - £1.20

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