Devenish Island

We took Erne Boat taxi out to the island. Our boat driver walked us onto the island and gave us its background. It’s a lovely site full of history. You wouldn’t stay to long. 15 minutes and it’s done. The round tower was closed due to Covid so maybe longer when there’s no more restrictions.

We tried to visit at a time when there were still some covid restrictions. There was no service and no notice at the jetty about wheat was going on. The island can be seen reasonably from the jetty. It looks really interesting. Historically it is a significant site

The monastic ruins of Devenish Island date to the 6th century and are well worth the visit. Many people avail themselves of the private tours and ferries, but the local government (NIEA) offers a less expensive service from 1 July - mid September from Trory Point (from Enniskillen, drive towards Irvinestown for approximately two miles and you will see signs to turn left towards Devenish Island Ferry.) This ferry only costs £3 adults/£2 children (under 5 free), so it's a lot cheaper, but does not offer the additional frills such as a beverage service or audio guide. There is no charge for visiting the monastic ruins or island itself, so pick the ferry service that suits your needs accordingly.

Really enjoyed the trip out to Devenish - very interesting ruins. The audio information on the trip over is also good. However, we then went to White Island and would recommend going there even more. It is a smaller boat - there were only the 3 of us on it - so was like our own private tour! The guide (the boat man) was excellent - really passionate about the ruins. The trip across only cost £4 per person - you get 30 minutes on the island and there are beautiful views from the island and from the boat. You get the boat from Castle Archdale marina (just off the main road from Enniskillen to Kesh). At present it is going hourly on the half hour (but this could change). The Visitor's centre just up the road from the marina is also worth a visit - covers the history of Castle Archdale and the area in WWII.

We took a boat ride out from Enniskillin to Devenish with our 3 year old, unsure what to expect. It was PERFECT for this age group!

The boat ride was slow, gentle, and very safe. Once on the island, the ruins are the perfect sort for toddler adventure. Nothing was too dangerous, and we could always keep him in sight while giving him some independence as well.

You can climb into the base of the round tower and explore two other ruined buildings. It's relatively compact for all the above; so their little legs can get a run about without getting too tired.

The whole family thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

Viewed this from water taxi, was in excellent order, well kept, grass cut etc. Taxi driver gave us an insight into it's history, fasinating.

We didn't want a complete boat tour, so took the little ferry from Trory jetty - sign-posted off the A32 running north out of Enniskillen. There's space to park your car, and there'a a ferry every hour, on the hour. It waits over at the island for 45 minutes before coming back, but you can stay on the island for longer and get it 'next time' if you want. To be honest, although we're avid photographers, there was no need for more than 45 minutes, as you can't go very far. There was a woman on our ferry back who'd been there most of the day, having felt it to be a very spiritual place.

Not far from Enniskillen you'll find this tiny monastic Island sitting in Lough Erne. The site was a monastery founded by St. Molaise in the 6th century, and today it is a quiet oasis of history with relatively few visitors, especially off season (October to April). The 12th century round tower and ruined romanesque church provide great photo opportunities, as do the fantastic lake views in summer. I'd recommend taking the waterbus "MV Kestrel" from Enniskillen, which is a pleasant river trip taking about 30 minutes. There is also a ferry operating April to September from the nearest shore, but the site is open all year round to those with privately hired boats.

I visited this old monastic settlement and had the whole island to myself, it is very picturesque, with an impressive high cross, a magnificent round tower, Abbey as well as St Molaise's House/church, the round tower was not open but there is a very impressive spiral staircase up to the bell tower? of the abbey. Great photo opportunities here, and of interest to young and old. It is very easily accessible to all.

I visited the island in my youth and I have always wanted to go back. We got the boat from Troary Jetty and it was £5 per person. We didn’t pay for the baby but the two kids (10 and 9) were also £5. Spent 45 minutes on the island just wandering around and taking pictures. It’s interesting enough and there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around. There are toilets on the island and a small visitors centre where you can escape the rain if necessary. A nice way to spend half a day if you’re in the area.