Irvinestown

Irvinestown is a small town in the historical County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. In 2021 it had a population of 2300, so it's the largest settlement along the north shore of Lower Lough Erne. It is home to Necarne Castle and Castle Archdale.

Understand
It used to be called Necarne — take your pick 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.

The historic counties of Northern Ireland have been abolished, so it's now within Fermanagh and Omagh District

Get in
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 on the border.

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

See

 * is a collection of religious outdoor sculptures opposite Devenish Parish Church.
 * 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.
 * 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 the Irish cobras, mambas and kraits. A couple of miles further east is the ferry to Lusty Beg island resort, see Sleep.
 * only cascade a few feet, but it's a pleasant woodland setting with glorious autumn colours.
 * is from 2000 BC. It's by the junction of Montaighroe Rd and Drumskinny Rd.
 * only cascade a few feet, but it's a pleasant woodland setting with glorious autumn colours.
 * is from 2000 BC. It's by the junction of Montaighroe Rd and Drumskinny Rd.

Do

 * 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 course at Manor House Marine.
 * Irvinestown Truck Festival is a charity fundraiser held in July.
 * Lady of the Lady Festival is a community summer event in July which includes Truckfest.

Buy

 * Spar is on Dromore Rd northeast side of town. It's open M-Sa 6:30AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM.

Eat

 * Also along the main strip are Mozzarella Fella's, Lily House Chinese, and two kebab shops.
 * Also along the main strip are Mozzarella Fella's, Lily House Chinese, and two kebab shops.
 * Also along the main strip are Mozzarella Fella's, Lily House Chinese, and two kebab shops.

Drink

 * Necarne Arms is at the foot of main street next to Mahon's Hotel.

Sleep

 * Castle Archdale has a campsite (2-person tent £25) and touring pitches (£30).
 * Castle Archdale has a campsite (2-person tent £25) and touring pitches (£30).
 * Castle Archdale has a campsite (2-person tent £25) and touring pitches (£30).

Connect
As of April 2021, Irvinestown has 4G with EE, O2 and Vodafone, and a mobile signal from Three. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Omagh has the Ulster American Folk Park.
 * 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.