LOCALITYOUR VILLAGES... |
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The nearby village of Kiltyclogher is well worth a visit. The village hosts a Drama Festival every March which draws Drama Companies and audiences from far and wide. The famous Michael Shanley traditional weekend is held every August and is a must for anyone interested in traditional music.
Prop: Ben McHugh Tel: 07198 5322 Brockagh |
MCHUGHS
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THE HAIR OF THE DOG
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FRANK EDDY'S BAR
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THE BUSH BAR
EATING OUT TOP
LOCAL RESTAURANTS:
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MacNean House and Bistro (Ireland’s restaurant of the year 2007)
The proprietor/ head chef at the restaurant is the award winning Neven Maguire who incorporates local organic and free range produce in his dishes. Neven is a popular TV chef, author of best-selling cookbooks and celebrity supporter of food events all over Ireland.
Roy & Bridie Street Tel: 07198 53443 Olive Grove is in the centre of Blacklion, 5 minutes walk from Lower Lough MacNean. It was built in 1862, modernised but still keeps some of its original features. The dining room opens out onto the paved courtyard style garden which is available for customers use during the summer months. Quality home cooking is our speciality using organic and local produce when available. Our menu includes a variety of snacks, lunches and all our desserts are home made. Our evening menu is available from 5pm on Friday and Saturday and parties of up to 25 can be catered for any evening. Sunday is a three course set lunch available until 5:30pm. A selection of wines is also available to accompany your meal. You are sure of a warm welcome from Roy & Bridie Street. Opening hours: |
Olive Grove Restaurant & Guest Accommodation
Jim and Assumpta Clancy, Tel: 00353 (0) 719853116 |
Clancy's of Glenfarne
PLACES OF INTEREST TOP
St Patrick’s Holy Well (Dabhach Phadraig)
This Holy Well is situated about 1 mile from Belcoo on the Garrison road. It lies near the road side and is clearly marked. It measures about forty feet by twenty one feet, and flows off in two rivers. The estimated yield of water is 600 gallons per minute. It is reputed to be the coldest water in Ireland, winter and summer. The well was a Lughnasa site and tradition tells us that St Patrick christenised it. Claims have been made that a cure for stomach ailments and nervous depression has been wrought. A pilgrimage known as ‘The Stations’ takes place here every year at Lughnasa (from the last Sunday in July to 15th August). A book entitled ‘Church Ruins and Stone Monuments Near the Holy Well, Belcoo, Co Fermanagh’ by Mairead O’Dolan is available at the Market House.
Open/Save Dabhach Phádraig Word document... 
Margaret Gallagher’s Cottage
Situated at Mullylusty near Belcoo, this listed thatched cottage is where, local historian, Margaret Gallagher, lives. The cottage has not electricity or running water and Margaret lives there in a traditional way.
Marble Arch Caves European Geo-park
The Marble Arch Caves European Geopark is host to one of Europe’s finest showcaves. Lively and informative guides conduct tours past a bewildering variety of cave formations.
Tours last for 75 minutes and are suitable for people of average fitness. Comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater are recommended.
It is Advisable to ring the Caves before visiting. Tel: (028) 6634 8855
Market House (information centre)
This restored 19th century building houses the local tourist office and craft shop. Originally the building was a market place and trading area for livestock and farm produce such as butter. The Killinagh Community Council restored the building in 1999 and the Market House is still a thriving community venue for meetings, events and exhibitions.
Cottage Meadow
Fifteen acres of parkland situated on the banks of Lough MacNean, the Cottage Meadow in Belcoo is an ideal spot for a picnic or kick-about. Wander along the paths and enjoy the fine views over the lake.
The Cottage Meadow in Belcoo is a favourite place for spotting wildlife. The braided river system which extends to meet the lower lough is unique in biodiversity. Children delight in spotting molluscs, water beetles and hover flies. Plant life is diverse with many different species in close proximity. The Cottage Meadow is also a great place for spotting whooper swans, Mallard duck Peregrine Falcon and curlew.
The Ballroom of Romance
The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne is one of the last surviving traditional dance halls in Ireland. This famous venue which was the inspiration behind William Trevor’s book ‘The Ballroom of Romance’ is a sought after venue for film sets and has been featured in many television programmes and documentaries. Dances, concerts and entertainment takes place all year round. Programme details can be found in the Market House, Blacklion.
Mullycovet Mill
This 18th century corn mill and drying kiln has been restored to full working order The Mill is the only complete wooden mill left in Ireland. In addition to this the grounds contain polytunnels for Organic Horticulture, There is also 2 acre vermi culture farm (worms), 3½ acres native woodlands and sensory gardens. Mullycovet Mill also run traditional skills courses through the winter months. The Devenish Partnership & Macnean Community Partnership, welcome group bookings for tours and activities. Mullycovet Mill is funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund.
Contact:
Andy Greene,
Mullycovet Mill,
Belcoo.
Co Fermanagh
BT935 GL
Tel:028 66386197
Email: mullycovetmill@btinternet.com
The Crannog
One of eight crannogs on Lough MacNean, Cushrush Island is one of the earliest crannogs in the country and has been carbon dated to 500BC. Iron ore and charcoal and evidence of smelting have been found. The Iron ore was brought down from Cuilcagh and other surrounding mountains. Mesolithic and Neolithic stone tools have been found on Cushrush island and nearby Inishee.
Station House
This railway station in Belcoo served the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway. The house and signal box were built in 1879. The platform has a sign bearing the name of the Station (Belcoo and Blacklion) and gates, signals and ornamental lamps are to be seen as they were in bygone days.
Shannon Pot
This mystical place is the source of the River Shannon which was named after the goddess Sionna. According to legend the river sprung up when Sionna attempted to catch the salmon of knowledge. The pot is the confluence of various underground streams which sink in the limestone uplands of the Cavan Burren and Fermanagh Marlbank.
MacneanOrganic Garden
Visitors are welcome at this ½ acre garden (which is open for charity), where everything is grown organically. There’s a shrubbery, rockery, several borders, cold frame, vegetable plot which is rotated, some soft fruit and a small orchard. Information gladly given, questions answered. Open every day all year 11am-6pm. Toilet and baby changing facilities. Look for the brown sign 5 miles from Belcoo on the Garrison Road.
Address:
Mullinshellestragh,
Belcoo,
Co. Fermanagh
Location: 5 miles from Belcoo on Garrison Road
Tel: (028) 6638 6938
SCENIC DRIVES TOP
Marlbank Scenic Loop
This drive passes the Marble Arch Caves European Geopark and the Claddagh Glen and Killykeegan nature reserves. Magnificant views are to be seen over Lough MacNean.
Sculpture Trail
The Lough MacNean Sculpture Trail was built in 2000 as part of a cross-community project in the region. There are eleven sculptures on this forty mile trail each one created by a renowned Irish artist in collaboration with members of the community. Each piece is significant to the local area and reflects our heritage, culture and landscape. The trail makes a wonderful driving tour taking in some of the most scenic locations around the lake and visitor attractions such as the 18th century Florence Court House.
NATURE RESERVES TOP
Cladagh Glen Nature Reserve
This 1.5km walk starts and finished at the Marble Arch Caves. Walkers follow the path of the River Cladagh which is a confluence of three rivers which rise in the Cuilcagh Mountains and disappear underground to form the Marble Arch Caves. Walkers enjoy taking time out at the cascading waterfall and enjoying this semi-natural woodland dominated by willow, mountain ash and birch.
Marlbank Nature Reserve, Killykeegan
Visit Ned’s Cottage and learn about habitats around the limestone pavement. There is an abundancew of wildflowers such as early purple orchid, harebells and birdsfoot trefoil. The common blue butterfly can be seen as well as many birds and animals.
FISHING TOP
Lough MacNean is a wonderful coarse fishing lake for Pike, Perch, Bream, Roach, Hybrid Eels and Brown trout. Fishing stands and boating access are to be found at MacNean Park, Blacklion and Glenfarne Demesne.
Boat hire and Ghillie service available from: Terry McGovern, Holywell, Belcoo.
Tel: 02866386415 or 0876772234.
Tackle and bait available from: Melvin Tackle, Garrison, Co. Fermanagh.
Tel: NI 028 68658194 ROI: 048 68658194
The annual pike fishing event takes place on the Republic of Ireland October public holiday for two days. Contact Eamonn Murray on 00353 (0) 868099881 for information about the event.
WALKING TOP
Cuilcagh Summit Walk
This walk takes approximately six hours and covers a wide variety of terrain from path to bog land. Reach the summit and you will be rewarded with magnificent views across Fermanagh, Donegal, Sligo and Cavan. Legend has it that in ancient Ireland the summit of Cuilcagh was used as a viewing point for as far away as Limerick. Further information is available at the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre.
Facilities: car parking, gift shop, café, picnic sites and toilets available at the Marble Arch Caves Visitors Centre. Also available are tours of the caves and an audio-visual presentation.
Duration: 6 hours
OS reference: Ordnance Survey Discovery Series (1:50,000) Sheet 26
Features: purple heather, bog cotton, sundew, sphagnum moss. There is a thriving population of insects, badger, fox and hare. Look out for birds such as Merlin, Snipe and Golden Plover.
The Cavan Burren
Located on the Cavan Way between the villages of Dowra and Blacklion, the Burren is home to some of the best examples of megalithic tombs and sites of ancient habitation in the country. When exploring the Cavan Burren people trace history from the formation of our landscape during various Ice Ages to evidence of settlement in Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. Walkers can view stone age artwork on the Giant’s Grave Wedge Tomb and follow the path of an ancient river bed which leads to the ‘Lost Valley’. An Illustrated guide to the Cavan Burren by local archaeologists, Gaby Burns and Jim Nolan is available in the Market House.
Length: 25 km / 16 miles
Highest Point Giant's Grave - 260m / 850ft
Features: Following the course of the young river Shannon to its source at the mystical "Shannon Pot", the walk follows quiet valley and river-side landscapes to the more unenclosed uplands section between the "Pot" and Blacklion, which includes the forested Burren area which is rich in ancient tombs, stone megaliths and monuments and sites of ancient habitation. Fine views over Lough MacNean into County Fermanagh can be obtained from these elevated areas.
Facilities: car parking and refreshments can be found in Blacklion and Dowra.
OS Reference: OS Discovery Series: Sheet 26, H079/353 (Giants Leap)
Glenfarne Demesne
Enjoy three way marked eco-walks of varying lengths, ranging from ½ hour to 2 ½ hours. Picnic areas are conveniently located along the marked routes. Along the way there are features of historical interest and several specially commissioned sculptures. Whilst here take time to savour the breathtaking scenery and indulge yourself in the hushed tranquillity which surrounds you.
OS reference: OS Discovery Series: Sheet 26, grid reference H-015 405
FLORA & FAUNA TOP
The forest comprises of Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce, Old Scott Pine, and European Larch, Some Oak, Ash, Holly, Birch and Alder are also present. The keen observer will also delight in the company of the wildlife which includes red squirrels, badgers, foxes and hares. Mallard duck congregate on the western shore of the lake during winter and spring.
Boat Quay
In ancient times, the area around the boat quay was used as a meeting point. It was the site for an annual pagan festival called ‘Bilberry Sunday’ which took place in the month of July.
Port Island
Port Island can be seen directly in front of the boat quay. It is mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters as ‘Inis Ochta’, and was used by members of the O’Rourke clan in 1499, to hold captive Melagin MacRannal. The ruins of a circular structure still remain on the island.
Ladies Rest
This picnic area was originally used by the ladies from Tottenham Hall as a place of relaxation. The sculpture entitled ‘Reflectress’ is situated here along with picnic tables. Inis Ochta with the remnants of an ancient castle belonging to the McGurn Clan can be seen here.
CYCLING
Part of the Kingfisher Cycle Trail is in the MacNean area and there are many loop routes on the country lanes in the District.
Information on the Kingfisher trail is available at: www.cycletoursireland.com
Bicycle hire is available from Corralea Activitiy Centre near Belcoo. www.activityireland.com
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND WATERSPORTS TOP
Lough MacNean is a popular lake for swimming and for water sports such as windsurfing and canoeing. There is a water park and purpose built climbing wall at the Corralea Activity Centre where tuition and equipment hire is available. www.activityireland.com
Blacklion 9 Hole Golf Course
Blacklion Golf Club is a beautiful 9 hole parkland course established in 1962, with coppices of woodland and mature trees. The lake comes into play on three holes and there are some magnificent views of Lough MacNean, islands and surrounding hills. It has been described as one of the best maintained nine-hole courses in Ireland, and one of the most scenic.
Glenfarne Playground
Funded by the Leitrim Taskforce the Glenfarne Community Development Trust installed this playground in Glenfarne village in 2004. This area also has picnic tables and recycling banks.
ORGANIC
MACNEAN ORGANIC GARDEN
We welcome visitors to our
½ acre garden (which is open for charity), where we grow
everything organically. There’s a shrubbery, rockery, several
borders, cold frame, vegetable plot which we rotate, some soft
fruit and a small orchard. Information gladly given, questions
answered. Open every day all year 11a-6pm. Toilet and baby changing
facilities. We have a brown sign 5 miles from Belcoo on the Garrison
Road. We are 8 miles from Garrison on the Belcoo Road, house at
the top of the concrete road.
CONTACT NAME: Jill & Mark Scott
ADDRESS:
Mullin Shellestragh
Belcoo
Enniskillen
Co. Fermanagh
BT93 5EH
PHONE: 048 663 86938