Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival

Experience the inaugural Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival this August and discover why Belmore Court & Motel is your perfect base for this exciting new cultural celebration

The heart of Enniskillen is set to come alive this August with the launch of an exciting new event that promises to showcase the very best of Fermanagh’s rich cultural heritage. The Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival, taking place on Saturday, 2nd August in Enniskillen Town Centre, represents a vibrant celebration of everything that makes this beautiful corner of Northern Ireland so special – from its exceptional local produce and artisan crafts to its deep-rooted musical traditions. 

Running from 10am to 6pm, this brand-new festival offers eight hours of continuous celebration, bringing together local food producers, skilled craftspeople, and talented folk musicians in the picturesque setting of Ireland’s only island town. For visitors staying at Belmore Court & Motel, this festival presents the perfect opportunity to experience authentic Fermanagh culture just a short walk from your accommodation.

A Feast for All the Senses

Celebrating Local Flavours

The culinary heart of the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival lies in its celebration of local produce and traditional foods that have sustained communities in this region for generations. Fermanagh’s fertile lands and pristine waters have long provided an abundance of high-quality ingredients, and this festival offers visitors the chance to taste these treasures firsthand.

Local food producers will showcase everything from artisan cheeses made in small farms dotted around the Fermanagh Lakelands to freshly caught fish from the crystal-clear waters of Lough Erne. Visitors can expect to discover traditional Irish breads, locally reared meats, and seasonal vegetables grown in the rich soil that makes Fermanagh such a productive agricultural region.

The festival will feature demonstrations from local chefs who understand how to transform these exceptional ingredients into memorable dishes. These culinary artists will share their knowledge of traditional cooking methods alongside innovative approaches that respect the integrity of local produce whilst appealing to contemporary tastes.

For those staying at Belmore Court & Motel, this culinary exploration extends beyond the festival day itself. Our breakfast offerings already celebrate local producers, featuring Stewart’s sausages, Maguire’s eggs, Live a Little Granola, and Erin Grove Preserves jam and marmalade. The festival provides an opportunity to meet the people behind these exceptional products and discover even more local suppliers to enhance your Fermanagh experience.

Artisan Crafts and Traditional Skills

The Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival will showcase the remarkable skill and creativity of local artisans who continue to practice traditional crafts whilst developing contemporary interpretations of age-old techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet makers who work with materials sourced from the local landscape – from pottery created using clay from Fermanagh’s earth to textiles inspired by the colours and patterns found in the natural world around Lough Erne.

These artisan makers represent a living connection to Fermanagh’s cultural heritage. Many of their techniques have been passed down through generations, whilst others represent innovative approaches to traditional materials. The festival provides a unique opportunity to witness these skills in action, with many craftspeople offering demonstrations throughout the day.

The craft element of the festival also reflects the broader cultural renaissance taking place across Fermanagh. Local makers are increasingly gaining recognition for their quality and creativity, with many pieces finding homes in galleries and collections far beyond Northern Ireland. The festival offers visitors the chance to acquire unique pieces that capture the essence of their Fermanagh experience.

Folk Music: The Soundtrack of Tradition

Music has always been central to Fermanagh’s cultural identity, and the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival will celebrate this rich musical heritage with performances throughout the day. Folk music in this region tells the stories of the land and its people, with melodies that have echoed across the lakes and hills for centuries.

The festival will feature both traditional Irish folk music and contemporary interpretations that honour the spirit of these ancient songs whilst making them accessible to new audiences. Visitors can expect to hear everything from haunting ballads that tell stories of love and loss to rousing jigs and reels that invite participation and celebration.

Local musicians will share the stage with visitors from across Ireland and beyond, creating opportunities for musical exchange and collaboration that epitomise the spirit of folk music. These performances will take place in various locations throughout Enniskillen Town Centre, creating an atmosphere where music becomes part of the fabric of the day rather than separate entertainment events.

Enniskillen: The Perfect Festival Setting

Ireland’s Island Town

The choice of Enniskillen as the setting for the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival is no accident. As Ireland’s only island town, Enniskillen offers a unique and atmospheric setting that enhances every aspect of the festival experience. The town’s historic buildings provide a stunning backdrop for the celebrations, whilst its compact size ensures that visitors can easily explore all aspects of the festival without missing any of the action.

Enniskillen’s position at the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands makes it the natural focal point for celebrating the region’s culture and heritage. The town has long served as a meeting place for communities from across the area, and the festival continues this tradition by bringing together producers, makers, and musicians from throughout Fermanagh and beyond.

The town centre’s pedestrian-friendly layout is ideally suited to a festival atmosphere, with its mix of historic streets and open spaces providing various venues for different activities. From intimate acoustic performances in quiet corners to larger demonstrations in the main squares, Enniskillen offers the perfect infrastructure for a diverse and engaging festival programme.

A Rich Cultural Heritage

Enniskillen’s own cultural heritage adds depth to the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival experience. The town’s history as a strategic location controlling access to Lough Erne has left it with a rich architectural legacy, including the impressive Enniskillen Castle that dominates the skyline and serves as a permanent reminder of the area’s fascinating past.

This historical context enriches the festival experience, as visitors can explore the relationship between past and present that defines contemporary Fermanagh culture. The traditional skills and knowledge celebrated at the festival have deep roots in the region’s history, whilst the creative interpretations and innovations represent its dynamic future.

The festival also provides an opportunity to discover Enniskillen’s role as a cultural centre for the broader region. The town has long attracted artists, musicians, and writers who find inspiration in its unique setting and the surrounding landscape of lakes, islands, and rolling hills.

Your Festival Base: Belmore Court & Motel

Convenience and Comfort

For visitors planning to attend the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival, Belmore Court & Motel offers the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. Located just a short walk from Enniskillen Town Centre, our accommodation places you at the heart of the action whilst providing a peaceful retreat when you need to recharge.

Our 60 comfortable bedrooms offer something for every type of festival visitor. Whether you’re travelling as a couple seeking a romantic weekend getaway, a family looking for spacious accommodation, or a group of friends planning to explore everything the festival has to offer, we have room options to suit your needs.

The Standard Self-Contained rooms, featuring mini kitchens, are particularly popular with festival visitors who want the flexibility to prepare light meals using local produce purchased at the festival. This option allows you to extend your culinary exploration beyond the festival hours, creating meals that continue to celebrate the exceptional local ingredients you’ve discovered.

Our Superior and Executive rooms provide additional luxury for those seeking a more indulgent festival experience. These rooms feature larger spaces, finer furnishings, and enhanced amenities that ensure your festival weekend feels truly special.

Sustainable Festival Experience

Belmore Court & Motel’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the values celebrated at the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival. Our Green Tourism certification reflects our dedication to minimising environmental impact whilst maximising the positive benefits of tourism for the local community.

Our five EV charging stations, including rapid charging options, make it easy for environmentally conscious festival visitors to travel sustainably. The charging facilities ensure that your journey to the festival can be as eco-friendly as the celebration itself, supporting the kind of sustainable tourism that benefits local communities whilst preserving the natural environment that makes Fermanagh so special.

The festival’s focus on local produce and traditional skills resonates with our own commitment to supporting local suppliers and reducing environmental impact. Our breakfast offerings already showcase many local producers, and the festival provides an opportunity to discover even more exceptional local suppliers.

Award-Winning Service

Our award-winning reception and housekeeping teams understand the needs of festival visitors and are dedicated to ensuring your stay enhances rather than complicates your festival experience. As TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners with over 20 years of experience as an Investors in People company, we have the expertise to make your festival weekend memorable for all the right reasons.

Our team’s extensive local knowledge proves invaluable for festival visitors seeking to maximise their experience. We can provide recommendations for pre-festival dining, suggest the best viewing spots for performances, and help you plan your festival day to ensure you don’t miss the experiences that matter most to you.

The personal touch that comes with our family-owned operation means that we understand the importance of flexibility during festival weekends. Whether you need to adjust meal times, arrange late check-in, or seek advice about local transport options, our team is committed to accommodating your needs.

Beyond the Festival: Exploring Fermanagh

The Broader Fermanagh Experience

While the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival provides a wonderful introduction to local culture, staying at Belmore Court & Motel also offers the opportunity to explore the broader Fermanagh experience. Our location makes us an ideal touring base for discovering the natural beauty and cultural attractions that make this region so special.

The Fermanagh Lakelands offer countless opportunities for outdoor activities that complement the cultural experiences of the festival. From gentle walks around Lough Erne to more challenging hikes in the surrounding hills, the landscape provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

The famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk, often called the “Stairway to Heaven,” lies just 13 miles from our accommodation and offers one of Ireland’s most spectacular walking experiences. This remarkable elevated walkway leads visitors through pristine bog landscape to summit views that stretch across multiple counties.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Fermanagh’s rich history is preserved in numerous attractions that provide context for the traditions celebrated at the festival. Florence Court, Castle Coole, and Crom represent some of Ireland’s finest National Trust properties, each offering insights into different aspects of local history and culture.

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark provides a fascinating underground adventure that reveals the geological processes that created Fermanagh’s distinctive landscape. These caves offer a different perspective on the natural forces that have shaped the region and continue to influence its character.

Belleek Pottery, famous worldwide for its delicate china, represents another aspect of Fermanagh’s artisan tradition. Visitors can tour the factory to witness skilled craftspeople creating pieces that continue centuries-old traditions whilst meeting contemporary design standards.

Seasonal Celebrations

The Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival represents just one example of the seasonal celebrations that make Fermanagh such a dynamic destination throughout the year. Our location provides access to events and festivals that celebrate different aspects of local culture, from literary festivals that honour the region’s writing traditions to music festivals that showcase contemporary interpretations of traditional sounds.

The festival also provides an introduction to the seasonal rhythms that continue to shape life in Fermanagh. Understanding these patterns enhances appreciation for the local produce and traditional skills celebrated at the festival, revealing the deep connections between culture and landscape that define this special region.

Planning Your Festival Visit

Practical Considerations

Planning your visit to the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival requires consideration of both the festival programme and your broader Fermanagh experience. The festival runs from 10am to 6pm, providing eight hours of continuous celebration, but many visitors find that arriving the evening before and staying until the following day allows for a more relaxed and comprehensive experience.

Booking accommodation at Belmore Court & Motel well in advance ensures availability during what promises to be a popular weekend. Our central location means you can walk to the festival, avoiding parking concerns and allowing you to move freely between different festival areas throughout the day.

The festival’s town centre location means that facilities such as public toilets, cash machines, and additional food and drink options are readily available. However, the festival’s focus on local produce makes it an ideal opportunity to experience the best of Fermanagh’s culinary offerings.

Making the Most of Your Visit

To maximise your Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival experience, consider planning your day around the aspects that most interest you whilst remaining flexible enough to discover unexpected delights. The festival’s eight-hour duration provides ample time to explore all areas, but having priorities ensures you don’t miss the experiences that matter most to you.

Early arrival often provides the best opportunities to engage with producers and makers before the crowds build. Many artisans are most willing to discuss their techniques and answer questions during the quieter morning hours, providing insights that enhance appreciation for their skills throughout the day.

The festival format encourages exploration and discovery, so while planning helps, remaining open to serendipitous encounters often leads to the most memorable experiences. The combination of planned activities and spontaneous discoveries typically creates the most satisfying festival experience.

Weather Considerations

August weather in Fermanagh can be changeable, so preparing for various conditions ensures your festival experience isn’t compromised by unexpected weather. The festival’s outdoor setting means that comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing contribute significantly to enjoyment throughout the day.

Belmore Court & Motel provides the perfect base for adjusting to weather conditions, allowing you to return to change clothes or collect additional items as needed. Our proximity to the festival site means these adjustments don’t significantly impact your festival time.

Supporting Local Communities

The Festival’s Community Impact

The Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival represents more than entertainment; it provides crucial support for local producers, makers, and musicians who form the backbone of Fermanagh’s cultural economy. By attending the festival and purchasing local products, visitors contribute directly to sustaining these traditional skills and supporting contemporary innovations.

This community support aligns with Belmore Court & Motel’s commitment to local sourcing and community engagement. Our breakfast offerings already support local producers, and the festival provides an opportunity to discover additional ways to support the local economy during your stay.

The festival also provides a platform for intergenerational knowledge transfer, as experienced craftspeople and musicians share their skills with younger practitioners. This education ensures that traditional knowledge continues to evolve and adapt whilst maintaining its essential character.

Sustainable Tourism

The festival exemplifies the kind of sustainable tourism that benefits local communities whilst preserving the natural and cultural heritage that makes destinations attractive. By celebrating local produce, traditional skills, and regional music, the festival demonstrates how tourism can support rather than threaten local culture.

This approach resonates with visitors who seek authentic experiences that connect them with the places they visit. The festival provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with local culture that creates lasting memories whilst supporting the communities that preserve these traditions.

Conclusion: A Cultural Celebration Worth Experiencing

The inaugural Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival promises to be a landmark event that establishes a new tradition worthy of this remarkable region. By bringing together the best of local food, traditional crafts, and folk music in the atmospheric setting of Enniskillen Town Centre, the festival creates opportunities for cultural exchange and celebration that benefit both visitors and the local community.

For guests staying at Belmore Court & Motel, the festival provides the perfect introduction to Fermanagh’s cultural richness whilst our accommodation ensures comfort and convenience throughout your visit. Our central location, sustainable practices, and award-winning service combine to create the ideal base for exploring everything the festival and the broader region have to offer.

Whether you’re drawn by the prospect of tasting exceptional local produce, meeting skilled artisans, or enjoying traditional music in a unique setting, the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival offers experiences that will enhance your appreciation for this special corner of Ireland. Combined with the natural beauty and historical attractions that make Fermanagh such a compelling destination, the festival provides the perfect excuse for a memorable weekend in one of Ireland’s most beautiful regions.

Book your stay at Belmore Court & Motel today to secure your base for this exciting new cultural celebration. Let us help you make the most of your Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival experience whilst discovering everything that makes our region so special.

For bookings and more information about experiencing the Fermanagh Feast & Folk Festival from your base at Belmore Court & Motel, visit our website or contact our award-winning reception team directly.