Fermanagh’s Second Town
Lisnaskea is County Fermanagh’s second town, although in this intensely rural and aquatic county, that means a population of around 2,500. The town is built around the long main street, which bends at almost 90 degrees along its course, and has a strong Plantation pedigree.
Sir Michael Balfour took control of the town through the Plantation, but Lisnaskea has a very proud heritage dating back to the ruling Maguire Clan of Fermanagh. Lisnaskea was once the Seat of the Clan, where Kings were crowned and ruled the County. This strategic importance led to the town changing hands many times over the years until 1821 when it came under the control of the Earls of Erne.
The Erne’s were generally beneficial landlords, establishing the market in the town whilst aiding and controlling development around the high street. The town has a strong heritage in the production of sandstone and limestone, which can be witnessed in much of building in the area. However, it is largely an agricultural area, which Lisnaskea services and this is the backbone of the local economy.
One of the Erne’s contributions to the town was the Cornmarket, built in 1841, which features a carved High Cross depicting Adam & Eve beneath a tree. The Cross is taken from an early monastery and provides a striking centre point to the village. An inscription in the Cornmarket reads ‘Live and Let Live’ and seems fitting for this friendly and welcoming town.
Just off the Main Street can be found the ruins of Castle Balfour, built in 1618 by the Balfour’s. The castle was inhabited right up to the early 19th Century and is currently undergoing a restoration programme to return it to something approaching its former glory as the focal point of the village.
Accommodation, Lisnaskea
The ultimate in 5* self catering accommodation this spacious and luxurious house is furnished to a very high standard offering guests every comfort
Crom Castle West Wing Apartment
Crom Castle West Wing Apartment, Newtownbutler, offeres a fully-equipped self-catering apartment consisting of seven guest bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms
Situated on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, the four star Fermanagh Lodges offer luxurious self catering accommodation
Pubs & Restaurants, Lisnaskea
The Watermill Restaurant – Kilmore Quay, Lisnaskea – 028 6772 4369
Donn Carragh Hotel – 95-97 Main Street, Lisnaskea – 028 6772 1206
Dragon Inn – 226 Main Street , Lisnaskea – 028 6772 3999
Chatterbox Cafe – 187 Main Street, Lisnaskea – 028 6772 3120
Oak Barrel Bar – 125 Main Street, Lisnaskea – 028 6772 1254
White Thorn Bar – 175 Main Street, Lisnaskea – 028 6772 1248
Corner Bar – 165 Main Street, Lisnaskea – 028 6772 1172
Taxis, Lisnaskea
Skea Taxis – 39 Trasna Way, Lisnaskea – 028 6772 2446
Kelkabs Taxis – 19 Cherryhill, Gortacharn, Lisnaskea – 028 6772 3222
Michael Maguire – 4 Castlebalfour Drive, Lisnaskea – 028 6772 1621
Care Cabs – 44 Head Street, Enniskillen – 028 6634 2999
Flexi Cabs – 3 Castle St, Enniskillen – 028 6632 4848
Kozie Kabs – 2 Castle St, Enniskillen – 028 6632 6232
