Upper Lough Erne
Lake Upper part of Lough Erne, Northern Ireland
Part of County Fermanagh’s lough system, Upper Lough Erne offers boating, coarse and game fishing, island hopping and waterways that link to canals and lakeside pubs.
Upper Lough Erne is the northern basin of the Lough Erne freshwater lake system in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It forms part of the River Erne waterway network and includes numerous islands.
The area is widely used for recreational boating and angling, with sheltered channels and marinas that attract pleasure craft and anglers. The shoreline and islands include wetlands, shoreline walks and areas important for birdlife.
The lough and its islands have supported settlement, navigation and fishing for centuries and several locations around the Fermanagh loughs contain archaeological sites and historic buildings. These features reflect long-term human use of the waterways.
Upper Lough Erne lies in County Fermanagh near the town of Enniskillen, and is connected downstream to Lower Lough Erne by the River Erne.
- Boating: Marked waterways, marinas and launch points around the shoreline support recreational boating and river cruising throughout the warmer months.
- Islands and heritage: The lough contains many islands of varying size, several of which have historic and archaeological remains of local interest.
How to Get to Upper Lough Erne #
Enniskillen is the main gateway town. By road: A4 links Enniskillen to Belfast and Dublin via N3/A46; by rail, connect via Belfast and onward bus. Boat tours and private hire operate from Enniskillen and nearby marinas; many visitors arrive by car and then board excursions locally.
Tips for Visiting Upper Lough Erne #
- Hire a boat or join a river cruise from Enniskillen for the best, slow view of islands and shoreline; the Erne is best enjoyed at water level.
- If attempting navigation, note tides and local boating regulations-Upper Lough Erne has islands and narrow channels that can be deceptively shallow.
- Visit early in summer for long days and calm water; bring binoculars for birdwatching around reed beds and small islands.
Best Time to Visit Upper Lough Erne #
Late spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable boating and sightseeing conditions.
Weather & Climate near Upper Lough Erne #
Upper Lough Erne's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1096 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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