With a rich natural heritage all around us we have lots of day trips, local walks , fishing expeditions, natural wonders, river cruising, world renowned pottery and the forest walks also the very popular culcaigh boardwalk to keep you entertained. Melvin country House is the perfect base for exploring the Fermanagh area, Co.Sligo, Co.Donegal, Co.Leitrim and Co.Cavan.
Marble Arch Caves
The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark contains some of the finest landscapes in the north of Ireland and is well worth a visit while you stay with us. Ranging from rugged uplands, lakes and forests through to gently rolling drumlins, the landscapes of the Geopark represent a complex Earth history dating back as far as 895 million years ago. Visitors to the Marble Arch Caves can experience a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers while stunningly beautiful cave formations glisten all around. Tour groups depart the visitor centre throughout the day, in the care of one of our enthusiastic and interesting tour guides. The tour consists of a short walk down through the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve; a relaxing 10 minute underground boat journey; and a pleasant stroll of approximately 1.5km through the showcave. There are a few sets of steps within the showcave system and 150 steps to exit the cave. Your tour guide will pause along the way to give a fun; interesting; and educational commentary suitable for all age groups to engage with and enjoy. - See more at: http://www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com/marble-arch-caves/visitor-information/#sthash.6wkl4nr7.dpuf We'll pack a lunch if you need one! - See more click here:
Belleek Pottery
The Belleek Group comprises world renowned gift and tableware brands of Belleek Classic, Belleek Living, Galway Irish Crystal and Aynsley China. They have a worldwide reputation for quality and craftsmanship, along with a history that stretches over 157 years. Belleek’s reputation has been built on product excellence. Only Belleek of the highest quality is ever put on sale. Back in 1857, the pottery’s founder John Caldwell Bloomfield declared that any piece with even the slightest flaw should be destroyed. Over 157 years later, this golden rule is still strictly adhered to. The result is perfection. Each piece of Belleek is created by 16 individual artisans. From design to production to quality control at our historic pottery, the process has changed very little since 1857. Belleek Classic continues to develop signature designs reflecting the heritage of Belleek including the world renowned Belleek Baskets .Step back in time to the pottery museums fine examples of Belleek pottery and why not take the 30 minute tour of the pottery. A chance to visit the production areas and an opportunity to met and speak with the pottery's skilled crafters.
Lough Navar Forest/Magho Cliffs Viewpoint
Lough Navar Forest is a magnificent site within the Geopark. Extending across 2,600 hectares of bog, heath, open water, native woodland, and coniferous forest, there's plenty to explore within this spectacular forest. The forest is located approximately 7.5 miles/12km from Derrygonnelly and is rich in natural and historical antiquities. It is also home to one of the most breathtaking views in the island of Ireland, over the Magho Cliffs. It is hardly surprising that this forest is a mecca for walkers, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. Lough Navar Forest along with Carrigan, Big Dog, Conagher and Ballintempo forests in west Fermanagh combine to form the largest continuous tract of forest in Northern Ireland covering over 8,500 hectares.
Beautiful Walk
If you are looking for an alternative hike to the Cuilcagh Boardwalk, then the Magho Cliffs Trail will not disappoint you. You have the option of starting this trail at the top, in Lough Navar Forest or starting at the bottom carpark located on the Loughshore Road (toilet facilities here). Making your way up from the bottom carpark, you will follow the path up the cliffs, twisting and winding its way through the woodland, with patches of open area providing great glimpses of the cliff escarpment and views below. The jewel of this 300m high cliff trail is the immense views of the surrounding area when you reach the top. Panoramic views offer the opportunity to a bird's eye view across Lower Lough Erne, and far into counties Fermanagh, Sligo, Tyrone, Donegal and as far as the Wild Atlantic Way.
Facilities: car parking, interpretation, picnic area, 7 miles/11km of scenic drive, viewpoints and four walking trails.
The Organic Centre
The Organic Centre is OPEN TO visitors. They were established in 1995 as a non profit making company with charitable status The centre is located on a 19 acres site in Rossinver, Co. Leitrim and operates from an ecologically designed building with a grass roof winning the An Taisce award for “most appropriate building located in the countryside”. Recent awards include the County Enterprise Award 2011 for “Contribution to the Community”, the Bord Bia National Food Award 2011 “Highly Commended Organic Tomatoes” and the Euro-Toques Award 2012 “For outstanding contribution to Irish Food through training and education”. They have received the Bridgestone and McKennas “Best in Ireland” award for many years and are now a “Discover Primary Science and Maths” centre.
The aim of the centre is to provide training and education, information and demonstration of organic gardening, growing and sustainable living. Each year since 1995 has seen significant development and currently we have :
- 2 demonstration gardens – the kitchen garden and the Robin’s garden -show a productive small scale family garden and a community garden run by a group of 21 local people.
- A range of 9 polytunnels of various sizes showing protected cropping on a domestic and commercial scale.
- A wetland sewage disposal system, which was featured on Eco Eye.
- A new compost display area, showing different methods of composting and recycling
- A willow sculpture area growing every year with new features.
- An orchard with 50 varieties of apples suited to the Irish climate and a soft fruit area, testing hardy varieties.
- A native woodland planted in Winter 2004 under the Neighbourwood scheme.
Other Things to do
We also have these activities, please ask Frances or Martin for more information.
- Roogagh and Fowleys waterfalls and great hiking/walking routes, photographic areas click here for more info.
- Pony Trekking along the beach.
- Strolling in forests
- Cruising Lough Erne
- Fishing at your leisure in other lake in the area
- Visiting the many archeological and historic sites in the area
