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Lough Erne

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Lake
—°1
Lough Erne (Ireland)

Weather…

Lough Erne is an extensive lake system in the southwest of Northern Ireland, primarily located within County Fermanagh. It consists of two main parts, Upper Lough Erne and Lower Lough Erne, which are linked by the River Erne. Lower Lough Erne is the larger section and is known for its wide expanses of water, while Upper Lough Erne is characterised by a labyrinth of numerous islands and channels. Historically, the lake was a vital defensive line and a religious centre, evidenced by the medieval monastic ruins on Devenish Island. During the Second World War, the lake served as a crucial base for Royal Air Force flying boats conducting patrols over the Atlantic. The town of Enniskillen is strategically situated on an island between the two lake sections. Today, Lough Erne is a premier destination for water sports, angling, and nature enthusiasts. The Erne-Shannon Waterway further connects the system to the River Shannon in the south.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C44581013141412965
Rain mm109858469889910811792114114110

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
This impressive, extensive lake system in County Fermanagh is highly accessible from numerous towns, most notably from centrally located Enniskillen, which sits exactly between the upper and lower lakes.
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Best season
Summer is absolutely good for boating, peaceful kayaking, and exploring the green shores. Spring and autumn additionally offer very peaceful, misty mornings that are truly first-rate for nature photography.
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Terrain & paths
The varied shoreline has a beautiful mix of flat grassy banks, dense woodlands, and natural marshy areas. The vast majority of official walking trails are very well-maintained, wide, and predominantly level.
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What to bring
If you are heading out onto the deeper water, a fitting life jacket is always mandatory. For pure shoreline walks, light, comfortable walking shoes and a practical rain jacket for showers are generally quite sufficient.
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Parking
Ample, well-paved parking spaces are typically available at local marinas, large public parks, and specially designated scenic viewpoints all around the massive, interconnected lake perimeter.
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Safety
Prudent water safety is paramount; local currents on the narrowed sections of the River Erne can often be highly deceptive. On land, always stick to marked trails to safely avoid wandering into deep marshland.
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Time needed
Depending on the chosen main activity, visitors spend a highly variable amount of time here, ranging from a two-hour relaxing lakeside stroll to a fantastic full-day boating cruise navigating through the waterways.

Geography

Coordinates
54.38300, -7.70000

Facts

  • The lake system is home to a total of 154 islands.
  • Lower Lough Erne reaches a maximum depth of 62 metres.
  • Devenish Island features one of Ireland's best-preserved round towers.
  • The G8 summit was held on the shores of the lake in 2013.
  • Enniskillen features a medieval castle located on the lakeshore.
  • The Erne-Shannon Waterway was reopened for navigation in 1994.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Enniskillen CastleEnniskillen Castle6 km · SEExplore →
Fermanagh LakelandsFermanagh Lakelands7 km · SEExplore →
TrillickTrillick16 km · NEExplore →
ManorhamiltonManorhamilton29 km · SWExplore →
Mount CollierMount Collier35 km · EExplore →
BallintraBallintra35 km · NWExplore →
📍Omagh35 km · NEExplore →
Slieve AnierinSlieve Anierin37 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lough Erne (1)

B17 Crash Memorial

Memorial marking the crash site of a B-17 bomber, exact details are undocumented.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lough Erne located?
It is located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, and consists of two main parts, Upper and Lower Lough Erne.
Are there islands on the lake?
Yes, there are over 150 islands, including Devenish Island, famous for its monastic ruins and round tower.
What activities are available?
Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and visiting the town of Enniskillen, situated between the lakes.
Is the lake navigable?
Yes, the lake is part of the Shannon-Erne Waterway, which connects it to the River Shannon.
When is the best time to visit?
From May to September, when the weather is convenient for water sports and exploring by boat.
Lough Erne: where is it located?
Lough Erne is located in Ireland.
Lough Erne: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lough Erne: why is it worth visiting?
Lough Erne is an extensive lake system in the southwest of Northern Ireland, primarily located within County Fermanagh.
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