Suggested cruising options Bellanaleck*

A getaway at the heart of castles and great lakes

Enniskillen: home to a magnificent castle on the banks of the Erne

A small island town in Northern Ireland, Enniskillen is surrounded by the different waters of the River Erne. Before mooring in one of the marinas, take a tour of the island to enjoy the best views of its 16th century castle. From your self-drive canal boat, the fortress will be all the more impressive. Once you have moored in Enniskillen, a wide variety of activities are available to you: visit the castle and its military museum, enjoy watersports activities at the Blueway Water Activity Zone, discover the neo-classical castle of Castle Coole, golf, shopping, angling (fishing license required)… You will also find a large number of pubs and restaurants in which to spend typical Irish evenings, with family or friends.

Lower Lough Erne: a delight for hikers and anglers

A large expanse of shallow water located north of Enniskillen, Lower Lough Erne is a paradise for fishermen, but also for hikers. Wander around Tully Castle or Monea Castle, walk to the Magho cliffs for a view from which you can see the Atlantic Ocean, or climb to the Blackslee Waterwall waterfall in the heart of an enchanting forest of pines and poplars.

Belleek: internationally renowned porcelain

It was following the Great Irish Famine that the village of Belleek became well known: in 1857, after more than 10 years of food crisis, a local business owner created the porcelain workshop Belleek Pottery to boost employment and promote economic recovery. After initially only manufacturing purely functional objects, the company then became synonymous with luxury items, even supplying Queen Victoria herself! Take a tour of the workshops during an educational guided tour with something to keep the whole family entertained.

Upper Lough Erne: become great lakes explorers

South of Bellanaleck is Upper Lough Erne, a large lake dotted with dozens of islands, sometimes deserted, sometimes inhabited. Set sail and explore some of them aboard your canal boat and spot the few castles that sit enthroned on the shores of the lake including Belle Isle Estate, Crom Castle and Crichton Tower.
For airsoft enthusiasts 11 years old and over, the Battle Camp Activity Centre is for you! Simply wear sensible shoes and clothing – everything else is provided by the centre.

Crom Castle: Irish architectural heritage

During your navigation on Upper Lough Erne you will come across this little architectural gem. Crom Castle has two parts to it: the first dates from the 17th century and was built by a wealthy Scottish owner. Destroyed in 1764 by fire, the original building is now in ruins. The second building is a result of the reconstruction of the castle, carried out in the 19th century. Although this reconstructed part is today the private property of the Count of Erne, the ruins of the old Crom Castle are open to visitors, so do not hesitate to stop there!
Your boating holiday discovery of the River Erne is over. It’s time to return your canal boat to Bellanaleck ready for the next crew.