Lough Erne

Lough Erne is a freshwater lake system in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, comprising connected Upper and Lower loughs linked by the River Erne. The waterways are dotted with numerous islands and rich archaeological and historic sites.

Monastic ruins and a round tower on Devenish Island, carved stone figures on Boa Island, and lakeside estates such as Crom Castle that provide shoreline walks and viewpoints. The loughs are used for boating, angling and shoreline recreation.

Settlement and ecclesiastical activity around the loughs date back to the early medieval period, with major monastic foundations on several islands. Over later centuries the area developed estates and small towns that used the waterways for transport and fishing.

The lakes lie in inland County Fermanagh; the town of Enniskillen sits between the Upper and Lower loughs and serves as the main gateway for visitors exploring the islands and shoreline.

• Upper and Lower Lough Erne: The lake system is split into Upper and Lower sections linked by the River Erne; the town of Enniskillen sits between the two and is the main visitor service centre.

What to See #

• Devenish Island: An island with an early medieval monastic site and a well-preserved round tower; the site contains carved cross-slabs and remains associated with a cenobitic monastery.
• Boa Island: A lake island noted for its carved stone figures and early Christian sculptures, located in Lower Lough Erne and attracting visitors for its carved stones and cemetery remains.
• Crom Estate: A riverside estate and castle grounds on the lough shore offering historic house and woodland walks beside the water.