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🌳Ely Lodge Forest
Ely Lodge Forest is a tranquil woodland located on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. It offers a network of waymarked trails suitable for families with children, including a 2.5 km loop that is pushchair-friendly. Highlights include lakeside views, mature trees, and opportunities to spot wildlife like red squirrels and birds. Facilities include a car park, picnic areas, and a children's play area. The forest is free to enter and open year-round, making it a great low-cost family outing.
- Easy, well-maintained trails
- Playground for kids
- Picnic tables and benches
- Dog-friendly (on lead)
- No cafe, but nearby Enniskillen has options
Travel tips
Pushchair-friendly 2.5 km loop
The main loop trail is flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for pushchairs and buggies. Perfect for families with babies and toddlers.
Free entry year-round
There's no admission fee, making this an excellent budget-friendly option for families. Open every day of the year.
Bring a picnic
No on-site café, so pack a picnic or snacks. Multiple picnic tables are available throughout the forest, especially near the lakeshore.
Children's play area on-site
There's a dedicated play area for kids, so bring a change of clothes and wipes. It's a good spot for children to burn energy after walking.
Ample free car parking
Free car park is available at the entrance. It's unlikely to be overcrowded, making it easy to find a spot even during weekends.
Spot red squirrels and wildlife
Keep eyes open for red squirrels and various bird species. Bring binoculars or a bird identification guide to make spotting more fun for children.
Dogs welcome on lead
If you have a dog, you can bring it along on a lead. Great for families wanting to combine a walk with a pet-friendly outing.
Lakeside views for families
The forest borders Upper Lough Erne with beautiful lakeside scenery. Children often enjoy spotting ducks, swans, or other water birds from the shore.
Best visited in dry weather
As an outdoor woodland location, visit when weather is dry. Trails can become muddy after rain, making buggy pushing more difficult.
Mature woodland for shade
Tall trees provide natural shade, making it a comfortable choice on warm summer days. Still bring sun cream and hats for exposed areas.
Plan for toilet stops in Enniskillen
No toilet facilities on-site. Use facilities in nearby Enniskillen before or after your visit, especially important with young children.
Wear appropriate footwear
Trails are well-maintained but can be muddy or uneven. Bring wellies or sturdy walking shoes, especially after rain or for toddlers just learning to walk.
Allow flexible visit time
No suggested visit duration—come for as long as suits your family. An hour works for the main loop, or longer if exploring multiple trails and the play area.
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Nearby places

Lough Erne Cruises (Enniskillen)
2.2 miLough 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).

Falls Park
2.2 miA 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.

Castle Coole
2.3 miA 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.

Lakeland Forum Leisure Centre
2.3 miA 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.

Ardhowen Theatre
2.3 miArdhowen 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.

Enniskillen Waterpark
2.4 miEnniskillen 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
2.4 miEnniskillen 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
2.4 miShare 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.

Florence Court
3.9 miFlorence Court is a magnificent 18th-century house and formal garden set in the heart of the Fermanagh countryside, managed by the National Trust. Families can explore the elegant rooms with their rococo plasterwork and period furnishings, while children enjoy the sense of history and discovery. The vast estate offers plenty of outdoor fun: a dedicated adventure playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames, plus waymarked woodland trails perfect for buggies and little legs. The walled garden features a charming yew tunnel and seasonal flowers, and the parkland is ideal for picnics and ball games. Facilities include a café serving hot meals and snacks, a second-hand bookshop, and accessible toilets with baby changing. Practical tips: wear sturdy shoes for the trails, bring wellies if it's been rainy, and check the National Trust website for family-friendly events like Easter egg hunts or summer nature activities. Suitable for all ages from babies to teenagers.

Devenish Island
5.2 miDevenish 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.

