Introduction to Enniskillen's Murals
Enniskillen’s Murals have come alive in the streets celebrating the town’s rich culture and heritage. This vibrant public art project spotlighting Enniskillen’s Murals began in 2017 when Experience Enniskillen set out to adorn the community’s walls.
The First of Enniskillen's Murals
The Happy Prince
The first of Enniskillen’s Mural appeared in 2021, inspired by Oscar Wilde’s “The Happy Prince.” This mural was made possible on Water Street thanks to business owner John Houston of the former Houston’s. Created by Karl Fenton and Jordan Shaw, this mural kickstarted Enniskillen’s Murals initiative.
This Water Street mural pays homage to the literary legacy of Oscar Wilde, not just globally but locally as he walked the halls of Portora Royal School in Enniskillen from 1864 to 1871. Wilde’s connection to the town adds a poignant layer of significance to the mural, serving as a testament to the enduring influence of his work.
Did You Know? ✨
The Happy Prince was said to have drawn inspiration by the view from Wilde’s dormitory window at Portora School, Cole’s Monument- a statue of General Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole. That very statue became the basis for his fictional prince!
Enniskillen’s Murals are within walking distance of Belmore Court & Motel, follow in Oscar Wilde’s footsteps and discover this beautiful mural!
Business lend their walls for the Enniskillen's Murals
Ted Hastings
Enniskillen’s murals movement gained momentum as more local businesses offered their walls as canvases. One lively contribution on the back exterior of Charlie’s Bar depicts the iconic Ted Hastings from the hit show “Line of Duty.” This fun mural by artist Karl Fenton pays homage to Enniskillen-born actor Adrian Dunbar and his beloved character. With Hastings’ famous catchphrases splashed across the brick backdrop, the mural is an ode to Dunbar’s acting fame and a celebration of Enniskillen’s role in it.
Adrian Dunbar proudly mentioned the mural in a 2022 interview with UTV, humorously claiming that having a mural of himself in his hometown would mark the zenith of any mans career!
Whether you’re a Line of Duty superfan or simply love a bit of local character, this mural is a must-see. Just look for the iconic cap and that steely stare- we’re sure you’ll recognise him straight away!
February 2022 – Adrian Dunbar himself on his Ted Hastings Mural in Enniskillen – UTV
Notable Murals
The Pike
This striking mural on Paget Lane celebrates Enniskillen’s connection to Lough Erne. Painted by renowned artist Marian Noone (also known as This is Friz), this large-scale pike covers the formerly drab wall of Joe the Baker’s shop.
The giant fish brings energy to the street with its vivid colours and lively motion. The Pike was specifically chosen as the subject as it is a symbol of the wild, freshwater ecosystem that defines the region, while also being one of the main species found in the waters of both Upper and Lower Lough Erne. The mural reminds locals and visitors alike of the natural beauty and wildlife that surrounds Enniskillen, while emphasising the regions rich angling heritage.
Noone’s use of colour and sense of whimsy in depicting the pike infuse brightness and personality into Enniskillen’s murals. This captivating street art is a tribute to Enniskillen’s picturesque lake landscapes. The mural transforms an overlooked alleyway into a vibrant new landmark in the town’s mural collection.
Kevin McHugh's Contributions to Enniskillen Murals
One for Sorrow
Ground level on Paget Lane beside Joe the Bakers, provides the perfect intimate setting for one of Enniskillen’s most charming murals. Unlike the towering three-story fisherman or the dramatic bridge transformation, this street-level artwork invites close inspection and personal connection with its mischievous subjects.
Magpie Folklore
This piece depicts seven magpies pilfering a pair of old boots, illustrating the popular rhyme: “One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy…” The familiar counting rhyme echoes through generations in Fermanagh, as part of our rich oral tradition. Depicting seven magpies, the piece takes the rhyme to its hopeful conclusion – “seven for a secret never to be told.”
The magpie counting rhyme is deeply embedded in Irish folklore, representing the superstitions and beliefs that have shaped Irish culture for centuries. These black and white birds, with their reputation for intelligence and mischief, have long captured the imagination of storytellers and continue to spark curiosity in modern times.
A Historical Nod
What makes this mural particularly special is its thoughtful nod to local history. The seven magpies aren’t simply posed – they’re engaged in their legendary thievery, stealing a pair of old boots. This playful detail serves as a clever reference to the location’s original purpose as a shoe mender’s shop, the shop of Joe the Baker’s grandfather in fact!
This connection between past and present demonstrates the careful consideration that goes into Enniskillen’s mural project. Rather than simply decorating walls, these artworks weave together folklore, local history, and contemporary art to create meaningful community landmarks.
The enniskillen fisherman
Standing majestically three stories tall on the rear wall of the Crowe’s Nest pays tribute to the fishermen who mean so much to Fermanagh. The Enniskillen Fisherman mural commands attention and respect. This impressive scale reflects the significance of angling to our community – a passion and livelihood that has defined Fermanagh for generations.
This stirring artwork depicts a lone angler in that timeless moment of anticipation, casting his line into the waters of the famed Lough Erne in pursuit of brown trout. The mural’s backdrop of mountains and shoreline evokes the county’s natural beauty, and the sense of peace fishing brings. As both a pastime and livelihood, angling has defined the lives of many locals and visitors drawn to Fermanagh over generations. The dedication and patience of the painted fisherman reflect the spirit of those who rise before dawn to begin their day on the lake.
From Postcard to Public Art
Artist Kevin McHugh drew inspiration from a beautifully nostalgic source – a vintage Fermanagh Lakelands postcard from the 1980s. Working closely with The Crowe’s Nest manager Fergal, Kevin transformed this slice of tourism history into a contemporary masterpiece that bridges past and present.
According to Noelle from Enniskillen BID, this collaborative process ensured the final design would authentically represent the angling experience that has drawn visitors to our waters for decades.
Artistic Accuracy
What sets this mural apart is Kevin’s dedication to authenticity. Understanding the deep respect that anglers have for their craft, he sought expert advice to ensure the brown trout depicted in the artwork was artistically accurate. This attention to detail demonstrates the reverence with which the angling community is held in Fermanagh.
The careful representation of both fishing technique and the brown trout species shows an understanding that this isn’t merely decorative art – it’s a tribute to a way of life that continues to thrive in our community.
With its serene landscape and solitary figure, the mural is a quiet celebration of the joys of casting a line in Fermanagh, which has hooked many heartstrings.
musicians on the diamond
Enniskillen has long been home to gifted musicians who keep traditional music alive. This mural celebrates the town’s musical heritage with a portrait of a fiddler and other musicians in full swing.
The piece is a subtle tribute to a renowned local musician, the late John McManus, portrayed on the fiddle and lets his legacy live on in both the art on the walls and the music sessions within them!
Evoking the energy and passion Enniskillen musicians bring to their craft, the mural adorns the exterior wall of Pat’s Bar, a popular spot for lively traditional sessions. Locals and visitors gather to hear talented musicians play their hearts out on the fiddle, accordion, bodhran and more.
Just as Enniskillen’s streets often reverberate with unplanned performances, this eye-catching artwork reflects the joy and vibrancy music brings to the community. By honouring its homegrown talent, the Enniskillen murals express the local pride in traditions passed from generation to generation.
the dance
Enniskillen’s geography as an island town means bridges are an integral part of the landscape. Under the East Bridge, a whimsical mural, “The Dance”, incorporates the bridge into its fairy-tale scenes. Local artist Kevin McHugh painted trolls under the archways while dancing fairies and other creatures circled above. The mural transforms the concrete bridge supports into the columns of an enchanted ballroom. McHugh’s imaginative style infuses this functional structure with a sense of fantasy and magic.
Nighttime lighting illuminates the mural’s characters, their lively forms seeming to leap off the pillars they adorn. “The Dance” mural beautifies an often overlooked spot while paying tribute to Enniskillen’s many picturesque bridges. McHugh’s vision turns infrastructure into art, complementing the town’s charming island aesthetic.
The first indoor mural of the series
life on the erne
“Life on the Erne” represents a groundbreaking moment in Enniskillen’s street art evolution – the very first indoor mural. Located at the rear entrance of Erneside Shopping Centre by the Next store, this stunning two-story artwork brings the tranquillity of Fermanagh’s natural world into an unexpected urban setting.
A Sense Evoking Masterpiece
Artist Alexandra approached this commission with extraordinary ambition. In her own words: “When I designed the painting for Erneside Shopping Centre, my goal was to create something captivating and enchanting – a visual piece that stimulates the senses. I aimed to craft a painting that comes alive, allowing viewers to not only see it, but also to hear, smell, and feel the humid air against their skin, if they allow themselves to be immersed in it.”
This philosophy transforms a simple viewing experience into something much more profound – an invitation to step mentally into Fermanagh’s natural landscape, metaphorically bringing the outdoors inside for a moment of reflection among the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre.
Meticulous Craftsmanship
Alexandra’s dedication to her craft is evident in every brushstroke. Despite working on a vast two-story surface, she deliberately chose to use only brushes, completely avoiding rollers, spray tools, or other shortcuts that might compromise the artwork’s integrity.
“This choice ensured that when observed up close, one can appreciate the delicate brushstrokes,” she explains. The result is a masterpiece where viewers can appreciate both the grand scale and the intimate details that bring the scene to life.
Hidden initials
Stairway to Heaven
One of the more recent additions to Enniskillen’s mural scene celebrates the awe-inspiring Cuilcagh Boardwalk. Unveiled in December 2022 on the Belmore Court & Motel wall, this mural was painted by renowned local artist Marian Noone. It depicts a hiker traversing the famous boardwalk, which allows access to Cuilcagh Mountain’s unique blanket bog habitat. The mural’s backdrop of swirling greens and browns evokes this beloved hiking spot’s wild, windswept landscape.
Upon closer inspection, viewers can find the initials of Belmore Court owners’ children cleverly hidden in the mural’s design. This personal touch adds meaning and makes the art a true community creation. Noone’s talent brings a sense of motion and life to the painted boardwalk. Her mural provides a vibrant ode to one of Fermanagh’s most iconic outdoor attractions.
Danni Simpson and Karl Fenz Collaborate on Enniskillen's Murals
Fermanagh Cottage Industries with local landmarks
Artists, Danni Simpson, originally from Australia, and the local Karl Fenz, created this colourful mural celebrating Fermanagh on this huge gable wall donated by Fermanagh Cottage Industries. This spectacular artwork brings together all the elements that have defined work and life in our beloved island town for generations in one sweeping, colourful panorama- depicting tourism, music, and fishing!
These activities are an integral part of the county’s heritage and culture. By portraying them in a contemporary street mural, the artists connect Enniskillen’s past with its present and future. It is an eye-catching commemoration of the county’s tourism, Danni and Karl having crafted a love letter to our town that residents can be proud of and visitors can appreciate.
A Year in the Making
This mural represents almost a year of careful planning and design development, with the painting itself taking a week. As Noelle McAloon from Enniskillen BID explains, the project began when Katie, owner of Fermanagh Cottage Industries, recognised the perfect opportunity her building’s gable wall presented.
“Katie has been a supporter of BID for years and she is a fantastic ambassador for Enniskillen,” Noelle reflects. “When she saw the murals appearing around town, she knew that her building offered the next perfect location.”
East Bridge St – Before
During Painting
Complete Mural
Community Collaboration at its Best
Katie’s generous donation of her wall space exemplifies the community spirit that has made Enniskillen’s mural project so successful. As a long-time BID supporter and town ambassador, her involvement represents the business community’s investment in Enniskillen’s cultural development.
The collaborative approach – from initial concept through to final design – ensures that each mural reflects genuine community input rather than imposed artistic vision.
The Newest Mural
Tomorrow Everything Will Be Better
Karl Fenton and Danni Simpson’s newest addition to the growing list of Enniskillen’s Murals celebrates Samuel Beckett, the Irish playwright and author who spent his formative years at Enniskillen’s Portora Royal School, now Enniskillen Royal Grammar!
Faced on the Cancer Focus building, the quote “Tomorrow everything will be better,” collectively selected by locals, feels ever more fitting! We think this hidden gem is a beautiful sentiment and an excellent addition to our Island Town’s thriving infrastructural art scene.
Check out the new mural for yourself, just a 3 minute drive from Belmore Court & Motel!
Conclusion
With each colourful instalment, the soul of Enniskillen emerges. The Enniskillen Murals showcase the town’s flair. Visitors can experience Enniskillen’s dynamic character by exploring these captivating public artworks. The Enniskillen Murals project brings the streets to life while painting a brighter future.
What’s next? Wait and see!
Enniskillen Murals Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Belmore Court & Motel’s Enniskillen’s Murals FAQ section! We’re delighted to help you make the most of the Murals in Enniskillen. Feel free to contact our friendly staff for assistance if you have any questions that aren’t covered here.
Enniskillen’s murals are found throughout the town centre. From Wickham Drive through East Bridge Street on to the West end of the town.
There are now 11 colourful murals and wall paintings found throughout Enniskillen, as of 2025. This number continues to grow as new murals are added.
Enniskillen’s murals showcase scenes related to local history, folklore, culture, flora and fauna. Subjects range from television stars and historical figures to wildlife, music and landmarks.
Yes, visitors are welcome to photograph the murals for personal use. Be respectful and avoid blocking walkways or entrances.
Yes, new murals continue to be commissioned and painted regularly, with the newest addition completed in March 2025! Check for recent additions not featured on older maps.
We hope this FAQ section helps you enjoy the Murals in Enniskillen. We know more will be arriving soon.
