Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh: Your Complete Guide
Fermanagh’s stunning landscape offers some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular dog friendly walks, ranging from historic estates to serene lakeshores. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or an extended stay, these Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh provide year-round adventures for both you and your four-legged companion.
Where to Stay: Belmore Court & Motel
Located in the heart of Enniskillen, Belmore Court & Motel serves as the perfect base for exploring Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh. This pet-friendly accommodation welcomes dogs with dedicated facilities, including washing stations, secure exercise areas, and early breakfast options for morning walks. The motel’s central location puts you within easy reach of all major walking trails, with Castle Coole Estate just five minutes away and other premium walks within a 30-minute drive.
Key Features:
- Dog-friendly rooms with ground floor access
- Secure overnight parking
- Pet welcome pack
The Seven Must-Try Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh
Castle Coole Estate
Just minutes from Belmore Court & Motel, Castle Coole Estate offers an enchanting blend of history and nature. This 18th-century mansion’s grounds feature ancient woodland trails perfect for morning or evening walks. The well-maintained paths suit dogs of all ages and abilities, with multiple water stations and rest areas throughout the estate.
Necarne Estate
This historic estate provides a fascinating glimpse into Irish history while offering excellent Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh. The castle ruins and Victorian walled gardens create an atmospheric backdrop for your walk, while the extensive grounds provide plenty of space for dogs to explore safely.
Belmore Forest
For those seeking more adventurous Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh, Belmore Forest’s limestone landscape offers unique terrain and spectacular views. The forest features well-marked trails of varying difficulty, making it suitable for both casual walkers and experienced hikers with their dogs.
Killyfole Lake
Perfect for water-loving dogs, Killyfole Lake provides one of the most serene Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh. The lakeside path offers easy walking with plenty of safe water access points, while the surrounding woodland provides shade and shelter.
Florencecourt Forest Park
This magnificent estate combines formal gardens with natural woodland, creating varied walking experiences. The park offers three clearly marked trails:
- Blue Trail (1 mile) – Perfect for elderly dogs and short walks
- Red Trail (3 miles) – Ideal for longer explorations
- Yellow Trail (4 miles) – Best for experienced hikers and fit dogs
Castle Archdale Country Park
Stretching along Lower Lough Erne, Castle Archdale offers diverse Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh combining lakeside paths, woodland trails, and historical features. The park’s multiple routes can be tailored to create walks of varying lengths, perfect for different energy levels and abilities.
Lough Navar Forest
For dramatic views and challenging terrain, Lough Navar Forest provides some of the most rewarding Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh. The viewpoint trail offers spectacular vistas across Lough Erne, while the forest drive circuit provides a full day’s exploration.
Seasonal Walking Tips
Spring brings carpets of bluebells and wild garlic to many Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh, particularly in Castle Coole and Florencecourt. Summer offers extended daylight hours for evening walks, though it’s best to start early or walk later to avoid peak temperatures. Autumn creates spectacular colour displays throughout all walks, while winter provides crisp, clear days perfect for photography.
Planning Your Visit
When staying at Belmore Court & Motel, you can easily create a walking itinerary that takes in the best Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh. The motel staff can provide:
- Current trail conditions and weather updates
- Local vet information and emergency contacts
- Dog-friendly restaurant recommendations
- Equipment storage and drying facilities
- Packed lunch ordering service
Essential Guidelines
While enjoying these Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh, remember to:
- Keep dogs under control near wildlife and livestock
- Clean up after your dog and use provided waste bins
- Carry water and a portable bowl
- Check trail conditions before starting
- Respect seasonal wildlife restrictions
- Follow local signage and guidance
Fermanagh’s dog friendly walks offer something for every season and ability level. With Belmore Court & Motel as your base, you can explore these beautiful trails while enjoying comfortable, pet-friendly accommodations. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer adventure, these Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh provide the perfect outdoor experience for you and your four-legged friend.
Detailed Guide to Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh
Castle Coole Estate
This magnificent Georgian estate, just five minutes from Belmore Court & Motel, offers some of the most accessible Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh. The estate spans hundreds of acres of managed parkland and ancient woodland, providing multiple walking options. Charges may apply.
Trail Options
The Beech Walk (1 mile) follows a majestic avenue of ancient beech trees, offering a cathedral-like canopy perfect for shaded summer walks. The path is well-gravelled and mostly flat, making it ideal for elderly dogs or those with limited mobility.
The Lake Circuit (2 miles) provides a serene waterside walk with stunning reflections of the mansion. Multiple access points allow water-loving dogs to take a supervised dip, while wildlife watching platforms offer rest stops with views across the water.
The Extended Woodland Trail (3 miles) ventures into deeper woodland, where dogs can explore ancient forest paths rich with natural scents. This trail is particularly spectacular during bluebell season in late April.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring – Carpet of bluebells, wild garlic blooms, nesting birds
- Summer – Shaded walks, butterfly meadows, evening guided walks
- Autumn – Spectacular colours, fungi trails, crisp leaves
- Winter – Frost-covered formal gardens, clear views of the house, winter birds
Facilities
- Multiple water stations
- Dog waste bins throughout
- Rest areas with benches
- Sheltered spots for rainy days
- Café with outdoor seating welcoming dogs
Necarne Estate
Located near Irvinestown, Necarne Estate combines historical interest with excellent Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh. The 17th-century castle provides a dramatic backdrop to varied walking routes.
Trail Options
The Castle Circuit (1 mile) offers an easy walk around the immediate castle grounds, perfect for history enthusiasts and their dogs. The path passes through formal gardens and past the castle ruins, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Woodland Ways (2.5 miles) explores the estate’s ancient woodland, where dogs can enjoy natural obstacles and varied terrain. The trail includes several streams and natural water sources, making it perfect for cooling off on warmer days.
The Full Estate Loop (4 miles) combines all the estate’s highlights, including the castle, walled gardens, woodland, and former equestrian centre. This trail offers excellent variety and can be broken into shorter sections if needed.
Special Features
- Victorian walled garden with sensory experiences for dogs
- Secure off-lead exercise area
- Natural agility course in woodland
- Historical information points
- Multiple rest areas with water bowls
Belmore Forest
Offering some of the most dramatic Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh, Belmore Forest combines limestone landscapes with rich woodland environments. The varying terrain provides excellent mental and physical stimulation for dogs.
Trail Options
Pollnagollum Cave Trail (2.5 miles) leads to a spectacular cave entrance, following limestone paths and forest tracks. The trail requires good footing and careful dog control near cave areas but offers unique geological features.
Forest Circuit (4 miles) provides a comprehensive forest experience with stunning viewpoints across Fermanagh. The trail includes various terrain types, from soft forest floors to rocky outcrops.
Summit Trail (3 miles) offers more challenging walking with significant elevation, rewarding effort with panoramic views. This trail is best suited to fit dogs and experienced walkers.
Natural Features
- Limestone pavements for natural paw maintenance
- Cool forest streams
- Protected wildlife areas
- Dramatic viewpoints
- Natural rest areas
Killyfole Lake
One of the most peaceful Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh, Killyfole Lake combines waterside walking with woodland exploration. The former reservoir now serves as a nature reserve, perfect for dogs who enjoy water activities.
Trail Options
Lakeshore Circuit (2 miles) follows the water’s edge on well-maintained paths, offering multiple safe water access points for dogs. The trail is relatively flat and suitable for all abilities.
Woodland Loop (1.5 miles) provides a shaded alternative through mixed woodland, rich with wildlife and natural scents for dogs to explore.
Combined Trail (3.5 miles) links both routes for a comprehensive experience of the area’s diverse environments.
Facilities
- Designated dog swimming areas
- Washing stations
- Secure exercise field
- Wildlife watching hides
- Multiple rest points
Florencecourt Forest Park
This historic estate offers some of the most varied Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh, combining formal gardens with natural forest trails. The park caters to all abilities with clearly marked routes.
Trail Options
Garden Walk (Blue Trail – 1 mile) explores the formal gardens and immediate grounds, perfect for dogs who prefer manicured environments and regular rest stops.
Forest Loop (Red Trail – 3 miles) ventures into ancient woodland, offering natural obstacles and varied terrain for more adventurous dogs.
Mountain Path (Yellow Trail – 4 miles) provides a challenging route with significant elevation changes and dramatic views.
Special Features
- Heritage gardens with seasonal interest
- Natural forest streams
- Wildlife watching areas
- Regular rest points
- Multiple water stations
Castle Archdale Country Park
One of the most diverse Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh, Castle Archdale offers a fascinating blend of wartime history, woodland trails, and stunning lough shore paths. Located along Lower Lough Erne, this expansive country park provides year-round walking opportunities.
Trail Options
Lough Shore Trail (2.5 miles)
This waterside walk follows the shores of Lough Erne, offering:
- Wide, accessible paths suitable for all dog sizes
- Multiple safe water access points for swimming
- Views across to White Island and Davy’s Island
- Regular rest areas with benches
- Bird watching opportunities
- Seasonal butterfly gardens
Woodland Walk (2 miles)
Venturing through ancient woodland, this trail features:
- Natural forest paths rich with seasonal scents
- Protected areas for wildlife watching
- Shade during summer months
- Natural obstacles for adventurous dogs
- Quiet zones for nervous dogs
- Stream crossing points
WWII History Trail (1.5 miles)
A unique walking experience incorporating:
- Former seaplane base areas
- Historic bunkers and structures
- Information panels about wartime activity
- Well-maintained paths suitable for all weather
- Regular rest points
- Photo opportunities
Deer Park Circuit (3 miles)
This comprehensive trail combines:
- Mixed terrain for varied exercise
- Wildlife observation points
- Ancient woodland sections
- Open meadow areas
- Multiple water sources
- Connection paths to other routes
Seasonal Features
Spring
- Woodland flowers carpeting forest floor
- Returning waterfowl on the lough
- Dawn chorus walks available
- Clear views across the water
- Perfect temperatures for longer walks
Summer
- Shaded woodland paths
- Safe swimming areas
- Evening wildlife watching
- Butterfly gardens in full bloom
- Extended walking hours
Autumn
- Spectacular fall colours
- Migrating birds
- Fungi trails
- Clear crisp days
- Perfect photography conditions
Winter
- Frost-covered landscapes
- Winter waterfowl
- Quiet peaceful walks
- Clear views
- Sheltered woodland paths
Facilities
- Modern visitor centre with dog water stations
- Multiple car parks for easy access
- Dog waste bins throughout
- First aid points
- Emergency contact phones
- Maps and trail guides available
Lough Navar Forest
Offering the most dramatic Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh, Lough Navar Forest provides challenging trails and breathtaking views from its famous viewpoint at 250m above sea level. This upland forest environment creates unique walking experiences year-round.
Trail Options
Viewpoint Trail (3 miles)
The signature trail of Lough Navar featuring:
- Dramatic ascent to panoramic viewpoint
- Views across Lough Erne and surrounding counties
- Well-maintained forest roads
- Multiple rest points during climb
- Photography platforms
- Clear directional markers
Lake Shore Route (2.5 miles)
A lower-level alternative offering:
- Access to hidden lough shores
- Quiet coves for dog swimming
- Natural forest paths
- Wildlife watching opportunities
- Sheltered walking in adverse weather
- Connection to other forest trails
Forest Drive Circuit (5 miles)
The most comprehensive trail providing:
- Full forest experience
- Multiple terrain types
- Various elevation changes
- Link paths to other routes
- Regular rest areas
- Wildlife observation points
Terrain Types
Upland Areas
- Rocky paths requiring sure footing
- Exposed sections needing lead control
- Outstanding viewpoints
- Clear visibility on good days
- Weather monitoring essential
Forest Sections
- Protected walking in adverse weather
- Natural obstacles for agility
- Varied ground surfaces
- Rich scenting environment
- Cool paths in summer
Lough Shore
- Quiet coves for swimming
- Natural drinking water sources
- Safe entry and exit points
- Wildlife watching opportunities
- Perfect picnic spots
Safety Considerations
- Check weather before upland walks
- Keep dogs leashed near cliff edges
- Carry extra water on longer routes
- Be aware of seasonal hunting activities
- Monitor dog fitness on ascents
Accessing the Walks from Belmore Court & Motel
Belmore Court & Motel offers the perfect base for exploring these Dog Friendly Walks in Fermanagh. The motel provides:
Planning Support
- Detailed trail maps
- Current weather updates
- Local guide contacts
- Emergency information
- Trail condition reports
Practical Amenities
- Early breakfast for dawn walks
- Packed lunch service
- Drying room for wet gear
- Dog washing facilities
- Secure overnight parking
Additional Services
- Local vet contacts
- Dog sitting service
- Equipment storage
- Boot cleaning station
- Trail photography tips
