Devenish Island is a historic monastic site located on Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It features well-preserved ruins of a 6th-century monastery, including a 12th-century round tower, churches, and a high cross. The island is accessible by boat from Enniskillen or nearby jetties, with boat tours available.
Families with kids will enjoy the sense of adventure taking a boat trip to the island. The ruins are open for exploration, and kids can learn about early Christian Ireland. The site offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Facilities are limited, so bring snacks, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Highlights: Round tower, monastic ruins, scenic boat trip.
- Ages: Suitable for ages 5 and up.
- Practical tips: Check boat schedules in advance; wear comfortable shoes for uneven terrain; no shops on the island.
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🏊Castle Hume Leisure Centre
A family-friendly leisure centre in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, with a strong focus on swimming and water fun. The main attraction for kids is the 25m swimming pool with a flume slide and a separate toddler splash pool, plus a large inflatable assault course during certain sessions. There is also a well-equipped soft play area for younger children, with slides and ball pits. Fitness facilities and a café are available for adults, and the centre runs swimming lessons and holiday camps. - Ages: Suitable for babies (splash pool) up to teenagers (flume and assault course). - Facilities: Changing rooms with family cubicles, accessible showers, and a viewing gallery for parents. - Practical tips: Book swim sessions online in advance, especially at weekends. The centre provides pool toys and floats, but you can bring your own. The café serves hot and cold snacks.
🏊Enniskillen Waterpark
Enniskillen Waterpark is a fantastic family-friendly outdoor water attraction located on the shores of Lough Erne. It features a large swimming pool, thrilling water slides, a splash zone for toddlers, and a paddling area. There are also grassy areas for sunbathing and picnicking. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, a cafe serving snacks and ice cream, and ample parking. Lifeguards are on duty during opening hours. Perfect for families with children of all ages. The waterpark is open seasonally from May to September, weather permitting. Tips: arrive early to secure a spot, bring sun protection and towels, and check the weather forecast.
🏰Enniskillen Castle
Enniskillen Castle is a historic castle in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, dating back to the 16th century. It houses the Fermanagh County Museum and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, offering a fascinating glimpse into local history. For families, the castle provides interactive exhibits, dressing-up costumes, and a children's trail that engages young visitors. The grounds include a courtyard and riverside walk, perfect for a picnic on a sunny day. Highlights for kids: - Interactive displays and hands-on activities - Dressing-up and role-play areas - Children's activity sheets and trails - The Watergate and keep to explore Facilities: toilets, baby-changing, and a small gift shop. The castle is mostly indoors, making it a good rainy-day option. Admission is affordable, with family tickets available. Allow 1-2 hours for a visit.
🛶Share Discovery Village
Share Discovery Village is an outdoor activity centre located on the shores of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It offers a wide range of adventure activities suitable for families, including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, axe throwing, climbing, zip lining, and team-building challenges. The village also features a 40-bed hostel, glamping pods, and camping facilities for overnight stays. Families with kids will appreciate the variety of age-appropriate activities. Younger children (ages 5-8) can enjoy gentle water sports and nature trails, while older kids (ages 9-16) can try more adventurous pursuits like high ropes and surfing. The centre provides all necessary equipment and instruction, making it easy for beginners. On-site amenities include a café, picnic areas, and a playground. Practical tips: Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor activities. Life jackets are provided for water activities. The village is open year-round, but some activities may be weather-dependent. It's a great choice for a day trip or a short family break.
🎭Ardhowen Theatre
Ardhowen Theatre is a vibrant performing arts venue in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, offering a year-round programme of family-friendly shows, including pantomimes, children's theatre, puppet shows, and workshops. The theatre has two performance spaces: a main auditorium (324 seats) and a studio theatre for more intimate productions. - Facilities: Baby changing, wheelchair access, hearing loop, and a café. Free parking available. - Ages: Best for ages 3–12 for children's shows, but all ages welcome. Baby-friendly performances are occasionally scheduled. - Tips: Book in advance for popular pantos. Ask about family ticket discounts. The theatre also runs summer camps and creative classes for kids.
🏊Lakeland Forum Leisure Centre
A family-friendly leisure centre in Enniskillen offering a 25m swimming pool with a fun splash zone and flume slides, a fitness suite, and a soft play area for younger children. The centre also hosts kids' birthday parties and holiday activity programmes. - Highlights: swimming pool with flume slides, soft play area, fitness suite, children's parties. - Ages: swimming suitable for all ages (under-8s must be accompanied); soft play ideal for toddlers and primary school kids. - Facilities: changing rooms, café, ample parking. - Practical tips: check session times for the pool – public swim sessions are popular; book soft play slots in advance during school holidays.
🏰Castle Coole
A stunning neoclassical country house set in a 1,200-acre wooded estate with a picturesque lake. Families can explore the grand interiors, including the state dining room and servants' quarters, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the waymarked trails, play area, and wildlife spotting. The estate offers a children's adventure playground and seasonal events. Facilities include a café and shop. Dogs welcome in the parkland. - Highlights: House tours, lake walks, playground, nature trails - Ages: Suitable for all, but best for ages 3+ (younger children may enjoy the grounds more) - Practical tips: Free parking for National Trust members; check opening times for the house as it is only open seasonally.
🌳Falls Park
A large public park in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, offering a variety of outdoor family-friendly activities. Highlights include a modern children's playground with equipment for different ages, a sensory garden, riverside walking and cycling paths, and plenty of green space for picnics and ball games. The park also has a skate park, a multi-use games area, and a wildlife area. - Children's playground suitable for toddlers to older kids - Riverside walks along the River Erne - Sensory garden with interactive features - Picnic tables and benches throughout - Free car parking on site Families will enjoy a relaxed day out with options for active play or leisurely strolls. The park is well-maintained and accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
⛵Lough Erne Cruises (Enniskillen)
Lough Erne Cruises offers scenic boat trips on Lower Lough Erne from Enniskillen, providing a relaxing way to explore the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands. Family-friendly 90-minute cruises depart several times daily from the Round 'O' Jetty at the Killyhevlin Hotel, taking in historic islands, castles, and wildlife. - Kids will enjoy spotting swans, herons, and maybe even seals, while the captain provides entertaining commentary. - The covered cabin offers shelter, but outdoor decks are great for fresh air and views. - Facilities: toilets on board, snacks and drinks available to purchase, pushchair accessible (but narrow steps to boarding). - Practical tips: arrive 15 minutes early, dress for weather, no large buggies (foldable strollers okay).
🌲Castle Caldwell Forest
Castle Caldwell Forest is a beautiful woodland located on the shores of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It offers a network of well-maintained walking trails suitable for families, with flat paths that are pushchair-friendly. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, and features a historic castle ruin and a walled garden. Facilities include a car park, picnic tables, and public toilets. The main highlight for kids is the 'Magic Tree Trail', a fun and educational walk with carved wooden sculptures and fairy doors. There is also a small playground with swings and a slide. The forest is open year-round and is free to visit.