The Westville’s awake!
Image 1 of 3
The bright and spacious Westville Hotel in Enniskillen. Ronan McGrade / Tel: 07871967665Image 2 of 3
Some of BoatYard Distillery’s most popular products - all of which are sampled on the tasting tour.Image 3 of 3
Right: Stanley Vaughan - the host with the most at the Boatyard Distillery.The Autumn-Winter period is popular for staycations and short breaks but people usually don’t want to travel too far or go to too much expense so close to Christmas.
Enniskillen is a short hop from Cavan or Monaghan and the County Fermanagh town offers plenty to see and do for visitors.
The Westville Hotel is an ideal base for those wishing to browse the stores and take in the night-life around Enniskillen.
This four-star boutique hotel, located close to McDonald’s on the Tempo Road, is less than a five-minute walk from the vibrant high street and town centre.
It boasts 29 spacious and comfortable bedrooms and suites with all the modern conveniences you would expect, a lively bar with good grub and attentive staff.
The breakfast is as good as any in the world. As well as your usual selection of self-serve continental items, fruits and juices; there is an impressive menu and table service. From your full Irish to pancakes and French toast, there are also options like various muffins, bagels and ‘Wake Up Benedict’ a particular hit. It certainly is a great way to wake up with good coffee too.
Boatyard distillery
A top recommendation is a tasting tour of the Boatyard Distillery on the shores of Lough Erne but you might want to organise a taxi as the measures are doubles and the samples plenty.
It’s a fantastic experience combining local history, craftsmanship and premium quality spirits.
Founded by Joe McGirr, the business began as a dream in 2013, inspired by a decade working in the Scotch whisky industry. Opening in 2016, Boatyard became Fermanagh’s first legal distillery since 1890.
Housed on the site of a former boatyard, it has grown into a respected name in Irish spirits, with a strong commitment to sustainability and local ingredients. In 2023, it became the first distillery on the island of Ireland to achieve B Corp certification.
The star of the range is undoubtedly Boatyard Double Gin, renowned for its distinctive juniper-forward flavour. The distillery also produces its own vodka , Old Tom Gin and Sloe Gin.
The guided tour is a real highlight, providing an insight into the distillation process, the equipment used and the story behind the business. Old milk tanks and other items from Joe’s family farm used to store the gin provide a nice link to his roots.
Visitors can enjoy tastings, expertly prepared cocktails and the opportunity to label and personalise your own bottle to take home.
A special mention must go to Stanley, the tour guide, whose knowledge, enthusiasm and wonderful sense of humour bring the entire experience to life.
His engaging storytelling brings the history to life and his passion for the business and admiration for its owner really shine through.
The entire experience felt like a party and a trip to the shop at the end was a must!
Watch this space as the distillery is set for a major investment and revamp in the near future that will see production scale up from 210,000 litres of spirits annually to a capacity of over one million.
Fine food
If you’ve worked up an appetite after a day exploring or shopping, Enniskillen has plenty of dining options to suit all taste and budgets.
The FireHouse in Enniskillen is a great spot for anyone looking for good food in a bustling and lively environment.
Despite being busy, service was good and the food even better.
The signature wings are renowned but we opted for skillet prawns and loaded flatbread to start.
Both were delicious, freshly prepared and using quality ingredients.
While there is plenty of choice for mains from burgers to pizza, pasta and fish; the carnivores both went for steak and certainly were not disappointed. Rustic fries provided a nice accompaniment while mac and cheese was a surprise on the sides menu.
Not that there was much room left but we chanced dessert. No S'More consisted of biscuit crumb, melted milk chocolate, caramelised marshmallow and vanilla ice-cream. An interesting creation but what can I say - No S'More quickly became No More as the plate was licked clean.
The wine and cocktail menus were great too. Apart from the usual favourites, it was nice to see Boatyard spirits featuring prominently in the ingredients with Boatyard x Firehouse the signature cocktail.
There are plenty of good bars in Enniskillen if you fancy a night cap, or if you are fit for bed, you aren’t too far from your comfy bed in the Westville Hotel. You can even have a nightcap before heading upstairs and, if it’s a weekend night, there’s likely to be live entertainment in the bar.
And if you are using Enniskillen or the Westville Hotel as a base – there are plenty of attractions within striking distance - Castle Coole, Florence Court, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), Marble Arch Caves, Geopark, and Share Discovery Village to name just a few. Check out their respective websites for visiting times, charges and activities where appropriate.
Check out the offers on Westville's website. A one-night Autumn Embrace package, for example, includes B&B, an evening meal, a bottle of wine and a late checkout. A Friday night in November will set you back around €221 for a superior room for two. More competitive rates are available for mid-week or on a B&B only basis.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN ENNISKILLEN
The Boatyard Distillery: A craft spirits distillery on the shores of Lough Erne offering guided tours and tastings.
Enniskillen Taste Experience: A guided gourmet walking tour highlighting local artisan foods, cheeses, and regional dishes.
Have a drink in Blakes of the Hollow: This landmark Victorian pub on Church Street is known for its historic interior and a carved Game of Thrones door and if you’re lucky you just might hit on a seisiún. And if you’re wondering, the Guinness is good… VERY GOOD!
Enniskillen Castle: For the history and heritage buffs, check out the local castle – a 15th-century castle built on the banks of the River Erne that houses both the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum.
Erne Adventures: If you want a bit of adventure and to see Enniskillen from the water, check out Erne Adventures. Rent out hydrobikes or e water scooters for a fun-filled and memorable activity.