Festival Lough Erne, a celebration of Lough Erne and all it has to offer, starts this weekend, running from September 10 to 18.

This year the festival continues to promote the Fermanagh waterways with a feast of events and activities taking place across the lakeland county.

On Saturday, September 10, the festival starts with a Dawn Paddle Tour from Enniskillen Water Activity Zone. 

Other water-based events on the Saturday include a Guided Heritage Paddle from Crom Estate, various activities at Share Discovery Village, pedal boats at Fermanagh Fun Farm, sailing at the Lough Erne Yacht Club, a boat trip to Devenish Island with Erne Tours, and a Sunset Paddle and Campfire Marshmallows at Corralea Activity Centre.

That evening, enjoy an atmospheric evening of yoga, music and food in two of Enniskillen’s most well-known locations. Soak in the atmosphere of the castle as you move through beginner-friendly flows and poses with Shauna McMorrow of Aurora Yoga Studio. This will be followed by light refreshments in Blake’s of the Hollow, with tunes from proficient musician Caimin O’Shea. 

The activities continue on Sunday, September 11 with Galloon Island Paddle in Newtownbutler, Combat Corps and Water Sports at Share Discovery Village, When Local Meets Local at The Boatyard Distillery, sailing at Lough Erne Yacht Club, Airsoft at Battlecamp Activity Centre, Derrylin, find out the secrets about Cuilcagh Mountain and boat trips with Erne Tours.

The Erne Tour Boat Trips continue on Monday, September 12 and you can also practice your photography skills with landscape photography at Trory Jetty with local photographer Anita Kirkpatrick.

On Tuesday, September 13, explore the land of the fairies at the Marble Arch Caves, learn smartphone photography by the lough shore at Enniskillen Castle, Cruise and Dine with Erne Tours, enjoy a paddle to Cleenish Island leaving from Bellanaleck marina, or learn about beekeeping in Kesh Community Centre.

Then enjoy a paddle to Lisgoole Abbey with Blue Green Yonder on Wednesday, September 14, leaving from Castle Island in Enniskillen.

On Thursday, September 15, you can experience a taste of Spain at Tully Mill, Florencecourt, a Lakelander Food Experience at Enniskillen Castle Jetty or a tapas night with Boatyard Gin at The Firehouse, Enniskillen. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the heritage of Ederney.

The events continue on Friday, September 16. Indulge in Boatyard Cocktails at The Boatyard Distillery, or Wine and Cheese Tasting in Charlie’s Bar, Enniskillen. 

Sit back and relax aboard the Erne Water Taxi’s Island Discovery vessel for an evening of live music with talented local musician Conor Phillips while taking in the very best scenery of Lough Erne. 

Elsewhere in Fermanagh, at Castle Caldwell there will be Trad Under the Trees hosted by Belleek Development and Heritage Group. A spokesperson for the group said: “This is going to be a special event exclusively for ticket holders – two hours of live traditional and folk music featuring local CCE musicians and Tully, one of Fermanagh’s finest Trad and Folk groups.

“The event will start at 8pm sharp; you are invited to bring your warmest coat, favourite tipple and perhaps some light refreshments to enjoy whilst you listen to some of Fermanagh finest musicians.”

On Saturday, September 17, Paddle into the Past from the Water Activity Zone in Enniskillen. Other activities include a Fish Festival at Dulrush Fishing Lodge, hydrobike experience in Enniskillen, Airsoft at Battlecamp, Derrylin or be a Wildlife Detective at the Marble Arch Caves.

You can also enjoy a Serenity and Self Care Retreat at Murphy’s in Ederney, or a Bottomless Brunch at Tully Mill, Florencecourt.

The festival closes on Sunday, September 18 with a History Bike Ride at Old Castle Archdale, a Blueway Experience at Stuart’s Car Park, Enniskillen and a Trad Night with Boatyard Gin in the Crowes Nest, Enniskillen.

Festival Lough Erne is organised and funded by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

All activities are available at a reduced rate throughout the festival and are available to pre-book online at www.festivallougherne.com.