Irvinestown Voyage Tips and guide

Irvinestown is a small town historically in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, which is nowadays part of the larger Fermanagh and Omagh District. In 2021 it had a population of 2300, so it's the largest settlement along the north shore of Lower Lough Erne.

Nearby Necarne Castle is a country park around a ruined mansion, and the town itself used to be called Necarne. (That name may derive from Na Caorthann, the rowans, or Na Cairn the heap of stones.) In 1618 during the Plantations it passed to a fellow called Lowther, who called it Lowtherstown. In 1667 it was sold to the Irvine family, but not until early 19th century did the village adopt their name.

54°28′12″N 7°39′36″W

Map of Irvinestown

Irvinestown is on A32 ten miles north of Enniskillen and 17 miles southwest of Omagh.

From Belfast or Dublin take the bus to Enniskillen and change. Ulsterbus 194 (a-j) runs every hour or so from Enniskillen to South West Hospital, Ballinamallard and Irvinestown (30 min), continuing to Lisnarick and Kesh. One bus a day extends to Pettigo and Ballyshannon.

Lower Lough Erne to the west of town is linked by navigable waterways to the Shannon, thence all the way to Athlone, Limerick, Dublin and Waterford.

You need wheels in this scattered district. A bike would do.

• 54.4717-7.63961 Garden of the Celtic Saints is a collection of religious outdoor sculptures opposite Devenish Parish Church.
• 54.4631-7.637132 Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine), Irvinestown BT94 1GG, ☏ +44 7833 215579. 24 hrs. This 19th-century hall is long derelict, leaving only a facade. You can stroll the grounds, dogs on leads welcome. Events such as show-jumping are sometimes held here. Free.  (updated May 2026)

• 54.4778-7.732223 Castle Archdale, Enniskillen BT94 1PP. Lakeside country park. The outbuildings are all that survive of the 18th century mansion, with scraps of the earlier castle northeast. There's a tearoom and small museum. During World War II this was an RAF base for Flying Boats patrolling the Atlantic. The concrete maintenance areas have been turned into a caravan park and campsite, see Sleep.  (updated May 2026)
• 54.49-7.7354 White Island has the remains of a 12th-century monastery church, with stone figures that were originally free-standing but that have been set into the walls. Boat trips visit from Archdale, and they may also call at Abbey Davey's Island hugging the shore which likewise has a 12th-century church ruin. The lower lough has some 154 islands to fossick around.
• 54.506-7.8695 Caldragh graveyard on Boa Island has three stone figures of pagan deities from around 500 AD. Two are by their original location, and the Lustymore figure has been moved from that islet. Caldragh is reached off A47 which traverses Boa Island, thereby avoiding crossing in and out of the Republic for a few yards — the border touches the lough at the outlet of Termon River. The island is named for Badhbh a Celtic war goddess, not boas which St Patrick supposedly banished along with Ireland's cobras, mambas and kraits. A couple of miles further east is the ferry to Lusty Beg island resort, see Sleep.
• 54.5565-7.74186 Drummoney Falls only cascade a few feet, but it's a pleasant woodland setting with glorious autumn colours.
• 54.5838-7.69017 Drumskinny Stone Circle is from 2000 BC. It's by the junction of Montaighroe Rd and Drumskinny Rd.

• Bawnacre Leisure Centre is on Castle Rd south side of town.
• Golf: Springhill Country Club is in Trillick 12 miles east of town. There's also a 9-hole course at Manor House.
• Irvinestown Truck Festival is a charity fundraiser in July.
• Lady of the Lake Festival is a community summer event in July that includes Truckfest.

• SuperValu supermarket in town centre is open M-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 9AM-8PM.
• Spar is on Dromore Rd northeast side of town. It's open M-Sa 6:30AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM.

• Nora's is a cafe at 6 Mill St, open M-Sa 9AM-4PM.
• Molly's, 18 Main St BT94 1GJ, ☏ +44 28 6862 8777. W-M noon-9PM, Tu 4-9PM. Good food and service. (updated May 2026)
• Heather's Cottage Bakes is at 40 Main St, open M-Sa 9AM-4PM.
• Town Chippy, 6 Pound St BT94 1HE, ☏ +44 28 6862 1605. Su M W Th 4-9PM, F Sa noon-9PM. Gets mostly good reviews. (updated May 2026)

• Necarne Arms is at the foot of Main Street next to Mahon's Hotel.
• McGinty's is at 60 Main St.

• 54.4713-7.63331 Mahon's Hotel, 12 Mill St BT94 1GS, ☏ +44 28 6862 1656. Friendly reliable place does good food. B&B double £100.  (updated May 2026)
• Coolness Glamping has 4 glamping pods. It's on Kesh Rd 2 miles northwest of town.
• Castle Archdale has a campsite, touring pitches and glamping pods.
• Drumhoney is a similar holiday park 2 miles south of Castle Archdale.
• 54.4295-7.67962 Manor House, Killadeas BT94 1NY, ☏ +44 28 6862 2200. Splendid country hotel by by the lough. B&B double £160.  (updated May 2026)
• 54.5088-7.83163 Lusty Beg Island Resort, Boa Island BT93 8AD, ☏ +44 28 6863 3300. This upscale resort hotel and spa is on a private island reached by ferry from Boa Island. B&B double £140.  (updated May 2026)

As of May 2026, Irvinestown and its approach roads have 4G with all UK carriers. 5G has not reached this area.

• Omagh has the Ulster American Folk Park, showing the emigrant experience.
• Enniskillen is on the navigable river between Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Castle Coole is a grand stately mansion.
• Donegal Town is the first sizable place you reach in the Republic, on the Wild Atlantic Way.