There is a danger that Fermanagh could become the poor relation of tourism within Ireland because of the lack of initiating a new flagship brand, a leading businessman and tourism provider has warned.

The Duke of Abercorn said that while Northern Ireland as a whole had witnessed remarkable growth in the hospitality industry in recent years, with over 600,000 visitors a year to Titanic Belfast, an estimated 50,000 visitors to HMS Caroline when it is opened in May 2016 and an estimated 250,000 visitors a year to Hillsborough Castle when it is fully refurbished, he wondered where it left Fermanagh regards tourism.

“Some six years ago I attempted to generate both enthusiasm and involvement by establishing a high quality catering college of international standard combined with a language school based in Enniskillen. But alas the response was not even lukewarm.

“It must be stressed that if Fermanagh is to compete in to-day’s economic climate then self help must be generated from within the county,” the Duke commented.

The Duke of Abercorn made his comments as he launched the new Abercorn Wing at Belle Isle Castle, near Lisbellaw.

Completing the refurbishing the Castle which also includes the Hamilton Wing, the Abercorn Wing has undergone extensive renovation work offering five double ensuite bedrooms and ground floor accommodation including a kitchen, library, drawing room with views over Upper Lough Erne.

The Duke of Abercorn, in an interview with The Impartial Reporter, revealed how he had purchased Belle Isle in 1991 from Miss Lavinia Baird, the last surviving member of the Porter family who had owned the property for generations since 1830. He explained how he immediately set about transforming Belle Isle into one of Fermanagh’s best known providers of holiday accommodation.

Together with Belle Isle Castle offering accommodation for 26, the upgrade of the courtyard cottages and several detached cottages on the estate means they can accommodate up to 80 people. Belle Isle also offers the Cookery School and is booked for weddings, corporate events, and family occasions.

Since launching the new refurbished cottages, they have seen visitors from America, Australia, Europe, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.

Attending the launch on Thursday were representatives of the tourism industry in Fermanagh and beyond.

Belle Isle has a rich heritage in Fermanagh. Comprising 400 acres of grassland and woodland, Belle Isle is an island in Upper Lough Erne linked by a bridge. One of the compilers of the Annals of Ulster lived and died on the island and the 500th anniversary of his death is commemorated by the memorial erected in the grounds.

The first house was built by Sir Ralph Gore at the the end of the 17th Century and further extensions were made by his grandson. He left it to his only surviving child, Mary, who married an Englishman, Richard Harding, who sold Belle Isle in 1830 to the Rev. John Porter for £68,000. The Porter family became synonymous with Belle Isle, owning it until the last surviving member, Miss Baird sold it in 1991 to the Duke of Abercorn.

The Garden House was converted into a holiday house in 1992 and the conversion of the Hamilton Wing, part of the Castle, completed in 1993.