The grounds of Enniskillen Castle were abuzz with people as young and old came out to enjoy Festival Lough Erne over the weekend.

The two-day event, which took place on Saturday September 22 and Sunday September 23, celebrated the very best of Fermanagh’s local food scene and picturesque Lakelands.

Local artisan food and drink producers lined the marquees with overflowing stalls, allowing visitors to sample and purchase their delicious produce. Cookery demonstrations from guest chefs and bakers were a particular highlight as Glen Wheeler of 28 Darling Street, Declan O’Donoghue of Erne Larder Preserves and Marta Lauze of Lough Erne Cakes, to name a few, showed their skills and shared mouth-watering recipes.

Festival goers also enjoyed a range of children’s activities with staff from the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, street entertainers and live music from local bands; all compered by Fermanagh’s own Bryan Gallagher.

The Lough Erne Cot Regatta proved very popular as spectators stood on the banks of Lough Erne to cheer on the crews. This was the first time in the history of boat racing on Lough Erne that a regatta was held to find the ‘Lough Erne Champion’ and seen crews from towns and villages across Fermanagh take part.

Admission on the days included entry to both museums on site at Enniskillen Castle and short boat trips around the island town of Enniskillen provided by Erne Water Taxi and Erne Boat Hire.

Festival Lough Erne was organised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and was supported by Waterways Ireland, Enniskillen BID and Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism.