Enniskillen: Devenish Island Cruise with Bar

Discover the Scenic Enniskillen: Devenish Island Cruise with Bar

This 105-minute cruise from Enniskillen offers an engaging journey across Lough Erne, combining sightseeing, history, and relaxation. Departing from the Round ‘O’ Jetty, the tour is operated by Erne Tours and features a fully licensed bar onboard. The MV Kestrel glides past iconic landmarks such as Enniskillen Castle and St Macartins Cathedral, providing a picturesque setting for photography and sightseeing.

What makes this cruise stand out is the opportunity to dock at Devenish Island, explore its well-preserved Round Tower, Augustinian abbey, church ruins, and a small museum. The tour balances scenic views, historic exploration, and refreshments, making it ideal for those interested in local culture and wildlife. A notable feature is that dogs on leads are welcome, allowing pet owners to bring their furry friends along.

While the tour offers a relaxing pace and informative narration, it’s worth noting that the vessel has no direct wheelchair access, though assistance is available, and wheelchairs can be brought aboard with help. Also, on hot days, the glass canopy may become warm, so bringing sunglasses or sunscreen is advisable. This cruise provides a well-rounded experience for history buffs, nature lovers, and casual explorers alike.

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Key Points

• Duration: 105 minutes, offering a comfortable yet comprehensive cruise experience
• Departure Point: Round ‘O’ Jetty directly opposite the gates, with a queue system for both pre-booked and walk-up passengers
• Main Highlights: Passing Enniskillen Castle, St Macartins Cathedral, and docking at Devenish Island to explore historic ruins
• Wildlife & Scenery: Spot kingfishers and listen for wildlife sounds on Lough Erne
• Onboard Bar: Fully licensed with wines, beers, snacks, tea, and coffee
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs on leads are welcome aboard and on Devenish Island

Starting at Enniskillen: The Round ‘O’ Jetty

This cruise departs from the Round ‘O’ Jetty, a straightforward meeting point accessible directly opposite the jetty gates. The queue system ensures organized boarding, whether you’ve booked in advance or arrive as a walk-up. The location coordinates are 54.3492546081543, -7.647984504699707, making it easy to find.

The MV Kestrel offers a comfortable setting for the journey, with the capacity to accommodate a moderate-sized group suited for both private and shared experiences. The vessel does not have direct wheelchair access, but crew members are happy to assist, and wheelchairs can be brought on board with help.

Scenic Passage Past Enniskillen Landmarks

As the cruise begins, the vessel departs from the Round ‘O’ Jetty and heads across Lough Erne. The guides offer lively commentary on the history and significance of Enniskillen Castle, one of the most recognizable sights along the water. The cruise also passes St Macartins Cathedral and Portora Castle, providing excellent vantage points for photos.

The route offers an engaging mix of scenic views and historical anecdotes, with the opportunity to see colorful kingfishers dart across the water’s surface. The calm waters and peaceful surroundings create a relaxing atmosphere, enhanced by the hum of local wildlife.

Docking at Devenish Island: A Historic Treasure

The highlight of the tour is the dock at Devenish Island, home to some of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval ruins. Once docked, visitors can wander around the Augustinian abbey, explore church ruins, and view the high cross.

Devenish Island features a small museum where you can learn more about its history, and restroom facilities are available for convenience. The Round Tower is a focal point, offering insights into medieval architecture and history. The guided explanation enriches the visit, making the ruins feel alive with stories from the past.

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Wildlife and Birdwatching on Lough Erne

The cruise’s route offers frequent opportunities for birdwatching. Spotting kingfishers is common, thanks to the rich birdlife thriving around the lake. The soundscape includes the hum of wildlife, adding to the calm and natural ambiance of the experience.

Listening to the guides’ narration, visitors learn about the local ecosystem and the importance of Lough Erne as a habitat for various species. This makes the tour appealing especially for nature enthusiasts and those interested in local wildlife.

Onboard Bar and Refreshments

One of the tour’s perks is the fully licensed bar, offering wines, beers, snacks, tea, and coffee. Guests can enjoy a drink while taking in the scenic surroundings, making the cruise both relaxing and sociable. Hot days may cause the glass canopy to become warm, so bringing sunglasses or hats can enhance comfort.

The bar service adds a touch of leisure, allowing for a casual and enjoyable experience without having to leave the vessel or dock. Whether you prefer a cold beer or a warm cup of tea, the onboard options cater to a variety of tastes.

Pet-Friendly Policy and Accessibility

The cruise welcomes dogs on leads, making it convenient for pet owners to enjoy the trip together. Both onboard and on Devenish Island, dogs are permitted, adding to the inclusive atmosphere.

While there is no direct wheelchair access to the vessel, assistance from the crew is available to help those with mobility needs. Travelers are encouraged to bring wheelchairs if needed, with help from the staff.

Practical Information: Booking and Cancellation

Reservations can be made with the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for planning. The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind in case of change of plans.

The duration of 105 minutes includes the cruise and the dock time at Devenish Island, making it a manageable outing for most schedules. Check the available starting times to find a slot that works best.

The Experience Provider: Erne Tours

The tour is operated by Erne Tours, known for offering engaging and well-organized boat excursions around the area. Their experience ensures a smooth, informative journey that balances scenic beauty with historical insight.

Comparing Similar Experiences

For travelers interested in exploring more of Ireland’s landscapes, similar experiences include Giant’s Causeway, Game of Thrones tours, and Ulster Folk Museum visits. For those focusing on lakes and waterways, this Devenish Island cruise offers a more relaxed, intimate alternative to land-based tours.

Why Choose This Devenish Island Cruise?

This tour provides a perfect mix of scenic beauty, historical exploration, and wildlife spotting. The onboard bar adds comfort, and the pet-friendly policy makes it suitable for companions of all kinds.

While it lacks full wheelchair access, assistance is available, and the experience remains accessible overall. The shorter duration and organized meeting point make it an easy addition to a day exploring Fermanagh.

Final Thoughts on the Enniskillen Devenish Island Cruise with Bar

This cruise stands out for its combination of scenic views and historic sites, especially the opportunity to dock at Devenish Island and explore its ruins. The knowledgeable crew enriches the experience with engaging commentary, making history come alive.

The fully licensed bar provides a relaxed element to the journey, perfect for unwinding while taking in the waterscapes. The pet-friendly policy and flexible booking options add to its appeal, making it a practical choice for a variety of travelers.

This tour offers a well-balanced outing for those interested in nature, history, and local culture without a long or strenuous schedule. It’s an accessible, enjoyable way to experience Lough Erne and its hidden treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific age requirement for this cruise?
The information does not specify age restrictions; however, the cruise offers a relaxed experience suitable for most ages.

Can I bring my dog onboard?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome both onboard and on Devenish Island.

Is there wheelchair access on the vessel?
There is no direct wheelchair access, but the crew is happy to assist, and wheelchairs can be brought onboard with help.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the scenic views and ruins.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the cruise?
The total duration is 105 minutes, including the journey and visit to Devenish Island.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby