vividventures

Hotel Review

Location:

Located in the island town of Enniskillen in Northern Ireland’s Fermanagh Lakelands, Belmore Court is well positioned just a 10 minute walk from the town centre.  The scenic town is nestled between the Upper and Lower sections of Lough Erne and dominated by its castle.  Enniskillen is conveniently accessible from both Northern Ireland and the Republic, with Derry just 62 miles away and Belfast 82 miles.

Arrival and check-in: 

The hotel was easy to find being on the main Belfast to Enniskillen road but set well back in a peaceful position.  The entrance foyer was bright and airy complete with a reception desk and comfortable seating and decorated with framed photographs adorning the walls.  After receiving a warm welcome from the receptionist on duty we were soon heading into the lift in search of our room.

The Room:

Our superior room was larger than average with contemporary furnishings in muted shades alongside crimson touches adding a splash of colour.  Next to the comfortable bed there was a sofa bed ideal both for family stays and to relax on whilst watching television or browsing the internet with the hotel’s super fast Wi-Fi.

Alongside the expected Smart T.V., hospitality tray, safe, hairdryer and small fridge I was pleased to find a clock as these seem a rarity in guest rooms nowadays.  I realise that it’s often possible to set an alarm on the television and that almost all of us possess smart phones but it’s still nice to have a bedside clock to glance at if you wake during the night.

The bathroom appeared to have recently been refurbished and boasted a stylish shower cubicle with a powerful rainfall head, a plentiful supply of high quality towels and complimentary Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.

Dining:

A buffet breakfast is served each morning in a purpose-built room leading from the entrance lobby.  We helped ourselves to fresh fruit, pastries and yoghurt and then returned to the hot food counter from where we selected what we wanted for our cooked breakfast.  A top of the range hot drinks machine was on hand for our must have cappuccinos with a pancake machine positioned next to it for those preferring a change from toast and marmalade.

Despite Belmore Court not having a bar or restaurant we didn’t find this to be a problem as it was only a short walk into the town centre where we found a wide variety of places to eat and drink.

Facilities:

The property offers a range of accommodation catering for all budgets from superior and executive rooms in Belmore Court to self-catering apartments in the townhouse style motel to one side of the car park.  Breakfast is included in room rates except for those staying in the motel where a supplement is payable.

There is a large car park in front and to one side of the building with designated spaces for disabled access and three electric vehicle chargers (currently free to use).  Fast reliable Wi-Fi worked well throughout the site with a computer and printer in one corner of the lobby for guests use

Out and About:

Explore Enniskillen and the Fermanagh Lakelands.  Below are my suggestions of what to see, do and eat.

Enniskillen Castle and Museums

Taking pride of place on the island is the 600 year old Enniskillen Castle overlooking the River Erne and one of the best preserved castles in Northern Ireland.  It was built by the Gaelic Lord of Fermanagh Hugh Maguire to defend passages into Ulster.  In the late 18th century the castle developed as a military barracks and is now the home of Enniskillen visitor centre and two museums.  The Inniskillings Museums covers the history of local regiments & military memorabilia whilst the Enniskillen Museum has galleries displaying local and natural history, rural traditions and crafts Enniskillen Castle and Museums.

Take to cycling on the water on a Hydrobike

Enjoy an hour’s hydrobiking around the scenic island, viewing the castle and town landmarks from the perspective of the water.  The bikes are stable and easy to pedal so there is no fear of toppling off into the lough.  Lifejackets are provided and a safety boat keeps a watchful eye at all times.  It’s great fun and a good workout for your thigh muscles.  Erne Adventures.

Marble Arch Caves

Set in the foothills of the Cuilcagh Mountains, 12 miles away from Enniskillen and located in a UNESCO GeoPark.  Tours of the caves last one hour with guides leading groups of visitors on a 1.5 km tour through a labyrinth of caves and narrow winding passageways.  Experience a stunningly beautiful world of underground rivers, waterfalls and soaring chambers viewing magnificent cave formations, stalactites and stalagmites.  Marble Arch Caves

Lough Navar Forest Drive

Just 20 minutes from Enniskillen and located near the Marble Arch Caves geo-park.  Take the 7 mile (10 km) scenic drive through the largest coniferous forest in Northern Ireland which rises to the top of the Magho cliffs.  Stop off at the Magho Viewpoint at the summit of the 5.5 miles long escarpment that dominates the southern shore of the lough for some breath-taking views. Lough Navar Forest Drive

Castle Coole

Located two miles from Enniskillen lies this magnificent 18th century mansion set in landscaped grounds.  The property is owned by the National Trust who run 45 minute guided tours of the house which was built to impress.  Marvel at its lavish interiors and the state bedroom created for an expected visit of King George IV.  Castle Coole

Suggested places to eat:

The Firehouse on Townhall Street is a locals favourite and features an open kitchen so you can watch dishes being prepared whilst relaxing with a glass of wine.  The varied menu includes small plates, pizzas and mouth-watering steaks.  The Firehouse

For a lunchtime snack or tea and cakes try the Jolly Sandwich.  There might be a queue snaking outside the door but its a good sign as its definitely worth the wait.  Jolly Sandwich

Overall:

The Belmore Court and Motel offers stylish accommodation in sparkling clean, well maintained rooms at reasonable rates.  It is perfectly situated for spending a few days exploring the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands as well as being a short walk into the charming centre of Enniskillen.  Staff go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay and the excellent breakfast sets you up for the day ahead.

Details: Belmore Court and Motel, Tempo Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 6HX

We were guests of Tourism Ireland and the Belmore Court and Motel and as always all views and opinions are entirely my own.

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