Ardhowen Theatre

I was there last week and watched a play - The Matchmaker. Truly an enthralling and highly entertaining evening. The theatre provides an open projecting stage, a raked auditorium with near perfect sight lines to performing action. Leg room is adequate. I was a guest of a friend and the bar served an almost full house speedily. The venue is noted for its spectacular views over Loch Erne: the viaduct stone pillars ascending from the water are a reminder of the former steam railway track. Parking is conveniently close to the building: off the main trunk road and very close to the city of Enniskillen. The Ardowen is an architectural classic of its modern steel & glass style. However, its future is under a cloud of uncertainty and currently up for public consultatrion. Largely due to lacklustre interest and support from the Fermanagh Council owner, maintenance has fallen behind and rumours abound that the Council will attempt to off load it to whoever.. Enniskillen is often regarded as a cultural desert inhabited by artistically indifferent ratepayers. But recently dynamic people with foresight have made significant advances with staging The Oscar Wilde Week. The Happy Days Samual Beckett Festival. The Five Life initiative. The now established amalgamation of two district Councils: Fermanagh & Omagh, could however lead to a positive reassessment of the Ardowen's enestimable value to the local community.

This must be one of the most beautiful locations for a theatre anywhere in Ireland. It is set right on the lakeside and the views from the bar on a magnificent spring evening were breath taking. On top of that we enjoyed a great concert.

went to see Swan Lake, been to Ardhowen many times, it has beautiful water ways beside it, very picturesque. But last night was my first time in the theatre, it's very nice, seats about 280(I think) but it's so cosy, you are so close to the stage. It's clean and modern in side. As you enter there is a lovely reception area, box office and Bar /Cafeteria. I will definitely be going again, well worth a visit, if your ever in Enniskillen or live in nearby counties. Very pleasant staff. They are very helpful. Well done, Ardowen and the national Irish Ballet

Having seen many shows and indeed graced the stage a brave few times I just love this theatre! Always immaculate and handy that you can pre-order your drinks for the interval, a must visit!

One of the finest theaters in the country. They stage everything here from country and western concerts to amateur dramatics. There is also a fine restaurant in the theatre with an excellent few out over the River Erne.

Having lived in Enniskillen for nearly two years, it is to my chagrin that we only visited this theatre last night for the first time having been aware of so many shows that we should/could have seen but simply procrastinated. The play was Dancing at Lunasagh and was extremely good in every way (acting, set design, production, direction etc). The theatre itself is small but it was full and extremely atmospheric. There were a huge number of youngsters attending as they are studying the play at school. Their behaviour was impeccable and the entire experience was a delight. The facilities were terrific too and the seating arrangement very good (decent tiering so tall people with tall hats sitting in front of you aren't a problem and the seat pitch means that people can walk to their seats without everyone having to stand up to let them past. Lovely theatre, will go back again and again now.

Went to see an Abba tribute band here and had a fun evening, The seats were comfortable, staff friendly and drinks not too expensive.

Lovely volunteers around to help you with your experience, would definately recommend the setting to everyone. Great evening.

Have been to the Ardhowen a few times and find the staff very friendly.
Lovely place to see various artists & shows.

Myself and a friend were interested in the music night of blues and jazz at the Ardhowen .We booked tickets for Sidewalk Boogie and arrived at the gig looking forward to a great evening of live music.Our first dissapointment with the evening began when we attempted to order drinks at the bar. Apart from lager and stout in cans there was no alternative for beer drinkers.None of the very popular pale ales from Northern or Southern Ireland were on offer. nothing on tap.All beers were either small bottles or cans. So we opted for wine instead.When asked for a ' Dry white wine spritzer the staff seemed unsure and just offered the only two white wines they had available.Neither of which were 'dry' .We gave up trying at this stage and settled for several drinks that were not what we wanted to have for our 'night out'.The music,by the way,was absolutely fantastic.The drinks were so dismal and overpriced that our evening was diminished and we left feeling very unhappy.