Upper Lough ErneAbout Upper Lough Erne
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | 2° | 113 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 82 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 90 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 64 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 64 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.3 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 15.8h |
| June | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 69 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.1 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.9h |
| July | Good | 12° - 19° | 15° | 73 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.4h |
| August | Good | 12° - 19° | 15° | 97 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 98 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.1 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 10° | 117 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 5° | 117 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 3° | 112 mm | overcast | 96% | 3.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
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.