54 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
www.nitravelnews.com KILLY-LIVIN’
The four-star Killyhevlin Hotel has opened 12 brand new studios... perfect for young families and dog lovers. We sent our Editor Kirsty Johnston to test them out...
BY KIRSTY JOHNSTON
kirsty@nitravelnews.com
COMMANDING stunning views directly overlooking scenic Lough Erne,
the
Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges is without doubt Fermanagh’s leading four- star retreat. The wide choice of luxury hotel accommodation, self-catering Lakeside and Woodland Lodges, an Elemis Spa, lakeside dining experiences and a range of leisure
facilities including
a Health Club, ‘Killy Kids’ Outdoor Play Park and Padel Tennis Court making the best hotels in lake district Enniskillen. Surrounded by lakeside gardens this family run-hotel is only 1km from the historic island town of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh considered to be the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and West of Ireland and there’s lots to see and do nearby. Popular with families
and dog-lovers alike,
everyone is familiar with the Lakeland Lodges and the Woodland Lodges with private hot tubs; however the most recent accommodation option to open, the luxurious new Lakeland Studios, are specifically designed with couples in mind. Located within the landscaped hotel grounds the 12 new one bedroom Studios - officially opened by Ireland’s leading country singer and adopted local Nathan Carter, who has been living in Fermanagh for 10 years - are designed to create a modern and luxurious feel with a sense of space, warmth and comfort to enable couples to enjoy the stunning lakeside location. Boasting large,
front-facing windows
co-sleeps). The Studios are spacious,
and lean towards minimalism,
homely making
them a toddler-friendly accommodation option. We felt confident that our 18-month old was
safe from serious harm during our stay at the lodge. The balcony is also fully enclosed in glass, meaning we could all enjoy the outdoor space and the lakeland views stress-free. Earlier this year we stayed in another Enniskillen hotel with our 18 month old and, in all honesty, we found it a little overwhelming. While we want to foster his burgeoning independence, we also have to remain mindful that the other hotel guests do not welcome our toddler crawling under their tables, running down corridors or having a tantrum at being confined to a highchair for longer periods of time than normal. The Studios at Killyhevlin offer a freedom to parents of young toddlers not available at other hotels. On our first evening we dined in the main hotel. The service was very quick, meaning our toddler didn’t have the time to get fussy in his highchair, and kids had a separate menu with plenty of choices. Then we walked back to our Studio where our toddler had the freedom to play while we enjoyed the lake views. The open plan space means we were able to keep a close eye on him, while still relaxing - and best of all, he wasn’t bothering anyone else with his jigsaw puzzle pieces and lego all over the floor. The next morning we enjoyed breakfast in the hotel before setting off to explore some of the nearby area. First stop was Enniskillen Castle. Here you can enjoy a self-guided tour of Enniskillen Castle Museums including the historic Castle site and two Museums - Fermanagh County Museum and The
Inniskillings
which maximise the Lakeland settings. A very spacious ensuite with separate toilet, an open-plan fully equipped high spec kitchen, lounge area, private outdoor furnished patio or balcony area (depending whether you are on the ground floor or first floor). Guests staying at the Studios can enjoy all
the same ‘hotel perks’. Complimentary use of the Killyhevlin Health Club is included during your stay while for an extra fee guests can pamper themselves at the Kalm Spa, play a Padel match and enjoy a full continental and buffet Killyhevlin breakfast. Light bites, lunch and evening meals are also available in the main hotel restaurant, all served with a Lakeview.
Although marketed towards couples, the Studios are also the perfect option for those with a baby or toddler (who sleeps in a cot or
Museum. At around 600 years old and situated next to a narrow crossing point on the River Erne, Enniskillen Castle guards one of the few passes into Ulster and has remained strategically important throughout its long history. A visit to the castle allows you to trace centuries of diverse histories through a Medieval Stronghold, Plantation Castle, Garrison Fort, up to the present day with the opening of the new Visitor Centre in 2016. There are six buildings to explore as part
of your visit as well as the picturesque Castle grounds. The Castle Keep is the oldest building
on site. The original castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh ‘The Hospitable’ Maguire, one of the ruling Maguires in Fermanagh. Indeed Hugh is credited with founding Enniskillen Castle some time in the 1420s. The earliest mention of the Castle is in the Annals of Ulster in 1439. It became a focus of Irish resistance to the English and was besieged in 1593/4. The iconic twin turreted Watergate is part of the 17th century Plantation history of the site, built for the then Constable of the Castle, William Cole. The Watergate is one of the most iconic architectural structures in Fermanagh. Next, step back in time to discover the earliest settlers in Fermanagh and learn about living on a crannog – an artificial island dwelling - and explore the oldest rooms in Enniskillen in the Medieval Maguires Gallery. Journey through the lakelands, retracing the European medieval pilgrimage route round the monastic sites of Lough Erne. Our little boy particularly enjoyed opening up the
a rich collection of personal treasures and battlefield curios, weapons and army vehicles, medals and uniforms,
art and
musical instruments, regimental silver and trophies.
Our little boy really enjoyed getting up close to the tanks, motorbikes and life-size model horse here; and of course, like all children, his favourite part was the gift shop on our way out where he took a shine to a plastic sword. We could easily have spent more time exploring the Museum, however our little boy still needs an afternoon nap, so we headed back to the Studio for some lunch and a snooze.
While the toddler and husband napped, I slipped away to the Health Spa for some relaxation. A leisurely swim followed by a soak in the hot-tub (unfortunately the outdoor lake-view hot-tub was closed during our stay, however the indoor one was equally as relaxing).
Suitably prune-like, I took the long way back to the Studio, strolling down the lakeside path, admiring the boats sailing lazily on the lake. Either Enniskillen Castle must have really tuckered my two boys out, or the bed was simply to comfortable, as when I returned to the Studio - confident that our toddler would be awake from his nap - they were both still out for the count. That’s a win in my book! When the two sleepy heads finally woke up
discovery boxes here.
Be inspired by the Museum’s gem of an art collection from important paintings by William Scott and T.P. Flanagan to rare pieces of Belleek Pottery and wonder at the magic of museums with Gordon Johnson’s historic shop and beautifully crafted models. The museum is very child-friendly. Enniskillen
has the
unique honour of being the only town in Great Britain and Ireland to give its name to two regiments, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, now part of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Royal Dragoon Guards respectively. The Castle was the birthplace of these regiments more than 330 years ago. The Inniskillings Museum galleries house
be filled with ice from a nearby pond when it had frozen over in winter. Meats would hang from the vaulted ceiling and servants would regularly make the journey to chip off ice to keep food and drinks cool and to make ice cream. You can also spot other historic features including the Pump House, which once
(at well past 2.30pm!) we decided to pop over to Castle Coole to enjoy the last of the day. The historic Castle Coole Estate is located just 5-minutes from the hotel. We were a little late to take a tour of the house (thanks to the Studio’s extra comfy beds) so we opted to explore Estate via one of the two walking trails. We parked the car and headed out, newly acquired plastic sword in hand, on a walk through the historic parkland. Wander through the beech trees and spot the 18th-century Ice House, which used to
September/October 2023
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