County Fermanagh is lakeland country, a paradise to escape to, relax in and slowly travel around. Its open waters, host of waterside towns and villages and numerous islands offer a place to connect with culture and heritage, enjoy incredible natural scenery and meet local craftspeople.
A long holiday away from the rush and bustle is the perfect way to explore these peaceful and picturesque lakelands, overflowing with first-rate experiences and attractions and all the elements that make for a better quality of life.
For an eco-friendly place to lay your head check into the
Belmore Court Hotel, which puts sustainability at its heart, or enjoy restful sleeps under the stars in the luxurious
bubble domes at Finn Lough. The domes meld into their natural surroundings, and sustainable practices such as avoiding single use plastics is the norm.
Belle Isle Estate also offers exemplary green practices in its accommodation, which can either be in a fairy-tale castle or in luxurious self-catering courtyard cottages. Stay here and you can eat estate-grown food from the garden or cook free-range eggs for breakfast from the hens roaming the fields.
But wherever you choose to stay in Fermanagh, make sure you enjoy some eco-friendly water activities.
Be among the first on the island of Ireland to embark on an e-board water scooter adventure.
Erne Adventures from Castle Archdale Boat Hire has introduced new electric powered water scooters, which are very stable, reversable and easy to manoeuvre thanks to their wide boards and handlebars. The amazing eco-friendly e-boards are the perfect way to explore Lough Erne and thriving Enniskillen, Ireland’s only island town.
Or pick up a kayak from
Blue Green Yonder in the Blueways Water Activity Zone in Enniskillen to paddle your way around the tranquil waters and savour the amazing landscapes from a different perspective.
Look out also for the
Island Discovery, a silent, all-electric eco-friendly pontoon boat that offers one of the best ways to appreciate the panoramic views and hear the distinct sounds of the waterways.
Seating up to 12 passengers the boat is available to hire for private events or you can choose from a lovely range of experiences, including a Whiskey and Blues Experience, a Lakelander Food Experience or an Island Town Experience with a local historian.
Another distinctive lakeland experience that chimes with Fermanagh’s stunning natural environment is sunrise yoga on the iconic Devenish Island, one of Fermanagh’s ‘holy islands’. A monastic site was founded here in the sixth century and a round tower still stands today in near perfect condition.
Aurora Yoga will bring you to the island on a privately chartered water taxi, where you can spend your morning moving mindfully with nature. Follow this with a light breakfast inspired by the monks who once inhabited the island and finish off with a tour around some of the key sights.
www.ireland.com