A couple of weeks ago, whilst out and about, on a whim, I turned off the main road into Enniskillen and made my way down to Trory Jetty. I’d been meaning to do it for months, but you know how you never get to visit the places that are right on your doorstep? Well, this time I did! I parked and strolled along the banks of the lough, enjoying the birdsong. ( I did check out the birdsome on my app too – such a geek!) Anyway, after my walk I went back and tried the other direction and that’s when I found Devenish Island across the water. If you’re a good swimmer you can swim across. It’s a real gem of a place, nestled in the tranquil waters of Lough Erne and steeped in history.
Take the water taxi
So, fast forward a couple of weeks and we found ourselves with a rare Sunday afternoon off. Instead of heading to the beach, which is our go-to on a day off, we decided to pick up a ride with the Erne water taxi from Enniskillen Castle. The water taxi takes you up the river (or down, whichever way you want to look at it) and drops you off, with a guide, at Devenish Island. On arrival we were struck by the mesmerizing ruins that dominate the landscape. The beautiful remains of the 6th century monastery stand as a testament to the island’s rich religious heritage. We wandered at leisure and explored the intricately carved high crosses. We roamed through the atmospheric graveyard and eventually we made our way back to the boat for the return trip. after taking plenty of photos.
Birdwatchers’ haven
But Devenish Island isn’t just about history. The tranquil shores are home to a plethora of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful swans gliding across the water or the elusive kingfisher darting through the reeds and don’t forget to use your app to identify the birdsong – what do you mean, you haven’t got an app???
Views galore
For the more adventurous souls, climb the narrow spiral staircase of the round tower and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. I had to hold on tight because heights are not my thing. On a sunny day, the shimmering waters of Lough Erne stretch out before you, whilst rolling hills and idyllic villages in the distance paint a picture-perfect scene. Even in the rain, it’s still an awesome sight.
On a drier day you could complete your visit with a leisurely picnic by the lough shore before getting your ride back to Enniskillen Castle for your tea and scones. Or stay to see the sunset in the summer when it gets dark quite a lot later.
Other boats are available…
And if the water taxi doesn’t float your boat (see what I did there?), then you could take the MV Kestrel from the Round O or hire your own craft from Castle Archdale marina and make your own way to Devenish Island. Whichever you choose, you’d be mad to miss the magic of this beautiful, historic spot. Oh, and of course, you could drive to Trory Jetty, park the car and swim across, assuming you have all the gear!
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Find out more about what’s on in and around Enniskillen at Fermanagh Lakelands Tourism
