News | March 16th, 2020
Pet Friendly Ideas in Fermanagh
Are you thinking about where you can bring your dog on holiday that is Pet Friendly?
Every day we treat them like one of the family, talk to them, put clothes on them and in some cases, sleep with them, but when it comes to holidays we usually leave them with a family member or the kennels!
You can enjoy your holidays in Fermanagh Lakelands without having to feel guilty about leaving your four-legged friend behind because of the abundance of attractions, walks and pubs etc. that are now pet-friendly.
Before you arrive, take some time to plan your vacation with your furry family member by soaking in these dog friendly ideas in Fermanagh that include beautiful places to stay, delicious dining options and wonderful, local attractions.
Dog-Friendly Walks in Fermanagh
Fermanagh really comes into its own when it comes to scenic, pet-friendly walking trails of which you can find the length and breadth of the county.
- Blessingbourne Country Estate
Starting on the Tyrone/Fermanagh border, on the main road from Belfast, you can find 4km of stunning woodland walking trails at Blessingbourne Country Estate.
Blessingbourne’s walking trails will take you around their stunning private lakes and through thick and majestic woodland, providing some fantastic Instagramable opportunities along the way!
You might even get to meet some of the friendly resident pooches of the manor on your visit, Black Labrador, Inca, and little terrier, Ruby. Seeing your own dog make friends is just like seeing your children make friends after all, isn’t it?
- Florencecourt House
The first National Trust estate on this list is Florencecourt House which offers the longest walking trails for dogs in this post.
The historic estate, located 20 minutes from Enniskillen, offers miles upon miles of charming woodland trails surrounded my streams and eye-catching flower gardens.
For those looking for a gentle stroll with their dog, choose the Blue Trail. For dog owners who want to stretch their legs out and take in the views from the forest park, take the Red Trail which is roughly 9km long.
- Crom Estate
The next National Trust estate we will mention is Crom Estate in Newtownbutler. Crom is absolutely teaming with wildlife, nature and lovely walks that are ideal for dog owners.
Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, Crom’s dog walks boast tranquil landscapes of islands and calming waters as historic oak woodlands and the famous Yew Trees which are the oldest in Ireland! The estate is just a beautiful place to walk your dog and take in the wonderful nature that Fermanagh has to offer.
- Smith’s Strand
Located just outside Lisnaskea, Smith’s Strand offer a newly developed, wheelchair-accessible walking trail through a sheltered forest and along Smith’s Strand beach.
The trails are fantastic for walking your dog as they are in a safe environment and on the beach is on the banks of Upper Lough Erne, providing fantastic views and peaceful surroundings on a calm, summers day.
There are also plenty of things to do with kids in the nearby area making Smith’s Strand a great venue for a day out with all of the family.
- Castle Coole
The final dog-friendly venue in Fermanagh that is part of the National Trust is Castle Coole, Enniskillen. Castle Coole is always a hive of activity with running clubs, families, dog owners and other members of the public regularly making use of the wonderful walking trails throughout.
The Lake Walk Trail will take you on a tranquil and relaxing walk around Lough Coole with a glorious backdrop view of the Castle Coole mansion over the lake. This is a great dog walking trail if your pooch is a keen swimmer!
The Beech Trail, similar in length, will take you through unspoilt woodlands and past the 18th-century Ice-House.
Pet-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of things to do in Fermanagh while on your vacation here for everyone in your family.
- Erne Boat Hire
Based beside the bridge at Erneside in Enniskillen, Erne Boat Hire provide dog-friendly boat rentals on Lough Erne. The small pleasure crafts rented out by the family-run business can comfortably hold 6 people, or 5 people and a dog!
Buoyancy aids and fuel are provided and if you are a novice to boat driving, some tuition and tips will be shared by the staff. Hiring a boat from Erne Boat Hire gives you the opportunity to explore Enniskillen from a different perspective and visit sites such as the historic Devenish Island Monastic Site.
- Castle Archdale Boat Hire
Located in the central region of Lowe Lough Erne, Castle Archdale Boat Hire offer you the opportunity to go on an adventure with your dog and explore the world-famous lakes of Fermanagh.
No experience is required for this dog-friendly activity as tuition will be provided as well as your buoyancy aids and fuel. You can make an entire day out of your trip to Castle Archdale by going for a brisk walk around the spacious grounds after your boat trip.
- Share Discovery Village – Canoeing
Back on Upper Lough Erne, you can enjoy a relaxing paddle with your pup by renting out a canoe at Share Discovery Village.
From SHARE you can visit many of the islands speckled throughout the lough from Rabbit Island to Trannish Island which is about a 2km paddle. This is a great location to let your dog of the leash to release some of its bundles of energy!
Dog Friendly Accommodation in Fermanagh
- Blessingbourne Estate
If you’re looking for top-class dog friendly accommodation in Fermanagh / Tyrone, look no further than Blessingbourne Estate in Fivemiletown.
Blessingbourne offers 6 stunning pet friendly apartments that are all welcoming of dog owners, from their 5* Gate Lodge to the charming courtyard apartments at the heart of the estate.
Each of the stylish self-catering apartments come with all the necessary kitchen equipment, cosy living room with modern furniture and TV, WiFi and a laundry service.
With everything you could ask for in one location, from scenic strolls to classy apartments, Blessingbourne is one of the most complete pet-friendly holiday destinations in Ireland or the UK.
- Willowbank House
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly guest house in Enniskillen, Willowbank House might be just the ticket for you.
With a gorgeous view of Lough Erne, a large garden for your dog to play in and plenty of nearby walks, you and your canine companion will have a wonderful holiday in the Erne county when you stay at Willowbank.
As Willowbank is located just outside the town, you have the luxury of being away from the hustle and bustle while still being close enough to all the shops and restaurants in the town centre.
- Belmore Court Motel
If you have your heart set on staying near the centre of Enniskillen then you will not go wrong by staying at Belmore Court Motel, who offer dog-friendly accommodation a short 10-minute walk from the town centre.
The 4* Motel offers a variety of stylish rooms with easy access to fantastic places to go for an evening stroll with your furry friends such as Castle Coole and the Lakeland Forum football fields which are surrounded by the calming waters of Lough Erne.
- Share Discovery Village
Share Discovery Village offers a pet-friendly campsite and caravan park on their 55-acre estate. With acres of green grass, forest trails and lakeside views to take in, SHARE is a brilliant place to bring your dog for a few nights.
The campsite has the capacity for up to 100 tents and the caravan park has 10 touring sites in a secluded area of the estate. Dogs are advised to be kept on a leash to respect other visitors to the site.
Not only does SHARE offer great dog-friendly ideas for people in Fermanagh, but they also have exciting activities for all of the family, from art activities for young kids to thrilling activities for teenagers.
Pet Friendly Restaurants and Pubs
- The Moorings
If you want to bring your pet for dinner with a view, then The Moorings in Belnaleck is a great idea.
The pet-friendly restaurant can be found on the main road out of Enniskillen and is located down beside Lough Erne with a great outdoor dining area that overlooks the lough.
There are plenty of delicious options on the menu from fish that was caught locally to traditional roast dinners but what sets The Moorings apart for dog owners is the brilliant walking loop right on their doorstep that takes you on a peaceful lakeside walk, in around the marina and back via a path near the main road. A great way to work up an appetite!
- Pat’s Bar
Located slap bang in the middle of Enniskillen town centre is Pat’s Bar, one of the oldest and most popular bars and restaurants on the island town.
Pat’s are a dog-friendly venue that is in the ideal location for you to pop in while you’re up the town checking out the shops or exploring Fermanagh’s capital.
With a fantastic variety of bar food options from Homemade Burgers and mouth-watering Chicken Wings to Indian Curries and homely Vegetable Soup, there is something for all tastes here.
- The Jolly Sandwich
At the other end of Enniskillen town centre, you will find The Jolly Sandwich, a family-owned cafe who welcome everyone into their lovely venue, including pets.
If you and your group are tempted by tantalising homemade bakes, a variety of fresh and scrumptious quiche and pies, and a selection of pasta and salads, then look no further than here.
Conclusion
If a pet-friendly holiday is what you are looking for then you will find Fermanagh hard to top. Our laid-back and friendly nature is most welcoming to pet owners and we hope that all of these dog-friendly ideas have given you the inspiration to come to visit our peaceful and beautiful Lakeland county.
If you would like any more information on where to go in Fermanagh with your pets, feel free to contact us today and we will be happy to help. As loving dog owners ourselves, we reckon we know all of the best spots and are happy to share our ideas.