Experience the 2025 Wine Geese Festival
Raise Your Glass to the 2025 Wine Geese Festival in Fermanagh
The 2025 Wine Geese Festival is set to transform Fermanagh and the surrounding regions into a haven for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Running from 31st May to 28th June 2025, this month-long celebration pays homage to the extraordinary legacy of the “Wine Geese” – those Irish emigrants who established some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards after leaving Ireland in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or simply enjoy the occasional glass of wine, the 2025 Wine Geese Festival offers something for everyone against the stunning backdrop of the Fermanagh Lakelands and beyond. And what better base for your 2025 Wine Geese Festival adventures than the sustainable, centrally-located Belmore Court & Motel in Enniskillen?
The Wine Geese Legacy: Ireland’s Hidden Contribution to Global Wine Culture
The term “Wine Geese” might be unfamiliar to many, but it represents a fascinating chapter in Irish history that the 2025 Wine Geese Festival aims to celebrate. Following political upheavals in Ireland, particularly after the Flight of the Earls in 1607 and during the Penal Laws era, many Irish families emigrated to continental Europe and later to the New World. Some of these emigrants established themselves in the wine trade, founding or developing vineyards that continue to produce exceptional wines today.
Names like Lynch, Hennessy, Barton, and Murphy became synonymous with fine wines and spirits across France, Spain, Australia, and California. The 2025 Wine Geese Festival celebrates this remarkable heritage and the enduring connection between Ireland and the global wine industry.
Festival organiser Maria O’Sullivan explains, “The 2025 Wine Geese Festival tells the story of resilience, innovation, and cultural exchange. These Irish emigrants took their determination and work ethic abroad, adapting to new cultures while maintaining their Irish identity. Through wine, they created a lasting legacy that bridges nations and centuries.”
2025 Wine Geese Festival Highlights: A Month of Wine and Culture
The 2025 Wine Geese Festival features an impressive programme of events centered around Enniskillen and extending into South Donegal and beyond. Here’s a detailed look at what you can experience:
Official Opening Events (30th-31st May)
The 2025 Wine Geese Festival kicks off with the official Opening Ceremony on Friday, 30th May at the Visitors’ Centre of Enniskillen Castle Museums. This invitation-only event will feature the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council formally opening the festival, followed by a preview of the main Wine Geese Exhibition.
On Saturday, 31st May, there will be dual exhibition openings at Enniskillen Library, featuring both the “Bartons @ War Exhibition” and “Enniskillen Streetscapes II” exhibition, offering insights into the historical context of the Wine Geese families. Families with children can also enjoy “Fermanagh Yarns,” a special storytelling session for young people at Enniskillen Library.
Featured Events and Exhibitions at the 2025 Wine Geese Festival
Wine Geese Exhibition (31st May-15th June) – The cornerstone exhibition of the 2025 Wine Geese Festival at Enniskillen County Museum focuses on the Irish Wine Geese of 1715, detailing their extraordinary journey from Ireland to becoming influential figures in the global wine industry.
Formal Dining with Barton Wines (1st June) – Experience an elegant lunch at the historic Blakes of the Hollow in Enniskillen, featuring wines from the Barton estates, one of the most renowned Wine Geese families featured in the 2025 Wine Geese Festival.
“A Sip of Irish” (4th June) – Attend the world premiere of Frank Mannion’s film about the Irish Wild Geese of Bordeaux, with particular focus on French Tom Barton. Barton wine will be served during the screening, followed by a Q&A session with the director at this special 2025 Wine Geese Festival event.
Barton Wine, Art & Cheese Evening (Wednesday 4th June, 8:30–10:30pm)
An evening of French wine, cheese, and local art at the Gourmet Grocer in Enniskillen. Guests will enjoy three French wines — including one from the Barton family’s Bordeaux vineyard — paired with canapés and a pop-up exhibition from The Island Artists. Artworks will be available to purchase, with select pieces auctioned in support of Rotary Club Enniskillen.
The Barton Family Legacy Tour Options at the 2025 Wine Geese Festival
The 2025 Wine Geese Festival places special emphasis on the Barton dynasty, one of the most successful Wine Geese families, with several tour options:
Ballyshannon Tours (3rd-28th June) – Choose between guided or self-directed tours of Ballyshannon, Ireland’s oldest town, which has strong connections to the Barton family. These tours are a highlight of the 2025 Wine Geese Festival for history enthusiasts.
The Tubrid Tour – Available as either guided (9th June) or self-directed (throughout the 2025 Wine Geese Festival), this tour explores sites in North Fermanagh and South Donegal directly relevant to the Barton dynasty.
Barton Great Houses Tours – Discover the impressive legacy of Barton family estates with either the Northern Tour to Portsalon in Donegal or the Southern Tour, both available as guided or self-directed experiences during the 2025 Wine Geese Festival.
Visit to Portora Royal School (7th June) – Learn about the educational institution attended by generations of Barton men during their 300-year presence in Ireland, a fascinating educational component of the 2025 Wine Geese Festival.
Academic and Cultural Elements of the 2025 Wine Geese Festival
Festival Formal Lecture & Book Launch (10th June) – Attend “The Bartons’ Wilderness Years” lecture at Fermanagh House, coinciding with the launch of the scholarly book “The Irish in Eighteenth-Century Bordeaux: Contexts, Relations, and Commodities.”
Kesh2Cask Exhibition (16th-28th June) – Visit the Kesh Courthouse Café to explore the relationship between Kesh Forest and the Bordeaux Wine Geese, with special focus on the Barton Family of French Tom as part of the 2025 Wine Geese Festival.
Social Events at the 2025 Wine Geese Festival
Pub Crawl (5th June) – Join locals for a guided visit to three bars along Enniskillen’s ‘wild goose trail,’ offering a taste of local culture and hospitality during the 2025 Wine Geese Festival.
Dragon Boat Race (Date TBD) – Witness the exciting Dragon Boat Race on Lough Erne, running from Moonlight Bay to the Round O jetty in Enniskillen, a community highlight of the 2025 Wine Geese Festival.
VIA SENSORIA (20th-22nd June) – For the truly adventurous, join an excursion from Enniskillen to Bordeaux to visit the region’s two historic wine museums and experience the French terroir that became home to the Wine Geese – the ultimate international extension of the 2025 Wine Geese Festival.
Why Stay at Belmore Court & Motel During the 2025 Wine Geese Festival?
As you plan your 2025 Wine Geese Festival experience, accommodation choice is crucial, and Belmore Court & Motel offers the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and sustainability:
Central Location for 2025 Wine Geese Festival Events
Situated in the heart of Enniskillen, Belmore Court & Motel provides the ideal base for exploring all 2025 Wine Geese Festival events. Many of the main festival venues are just a short walk or drive away:
- Enniskillen Castle Museums (2025 Wine Geese Festival hub) – Just a 15-minute walk
- Enniskillen Library (hosting multiple exhibitions) – Only 10 minutes on foot
- Blakes of the Hollow (formal dining event) – 8-minute walk down Church Street
- Fermanagh House (lectures and film screening) – Brief 5-minute drive
- The Buttermarket Artists’ Quarter – 10-minute walk
Our central location makes us the perfect hub for 2025 Wine Geese Festival attendees,” notes Terry McCartney, owner of Belmore Court & Motel. Guests can enjoy a comfortable night’s rest and hearty breakfast before setting off to explore the day’s events, whether they’re in Enniskillen itself or venturing to Ballyshannon or other locations.
Cross-Border Convenience for the 2025 Wine Geese Festival
Many 2025 Wine Geese Festival events, including the Ballyshannon Tour and Tubrid Tour, take place across the border in County Donegal. Staying at Belmore Court gives you:
- Easy access to all cross-border 2025 Wine Geese Festival events (approx. 30 minutes to Ballyshannon)
- Advice on car hire insurance requirements for cross-border travel
- Local knowledge of the best routes to festival locations in both Northern Ireland and the Republic
Sustainable Accommodation for Your 2025 Wine Geese Festival Visit
As the region’s only large accommodation provider certified as sustainable, we’re proud to complement the 2025 Wine Geese Festival’s celebration of heritage and tradition. Our eco-friendly initiatives include:
- Five EV charging stations (including rapid chargers) – perfect if you’re driving between 2025 Wine Geese Festival events
- Green Tourism certification
- Energy-efficient practices throughout the property
- Locally-sourced breakfast options to minimise food miles
Comfortable Options for Every 2025 Wine Geese Festival Attendee
Whether you’re attending specific events or immersing yourself in the entire month-long 2025 Wine Geese Festival, our range of accommodation options ensures your comfort:
- Standard Self-Contained rooms with mini kitchens – perfect for storing those special bottles you purchase during the 2025 Wine Geese Festival
- Superior rooms with luxurious furnishings for a more indulgent experience
- Executive rooms for those seeking extra space and premium amenities
All rooms feature comfortable Respa beds, ensuring you’re well-rested for each day of 2025 Wine Geese Festival activities.
Exploring Beyond the 2025 Wine Geese Festival
While the 2025 Wine Geese Festival offers a packed schedule of events, you’ll also want to explore Fermanagh’s natural beauty and attractions between festival activities:
Barton Legacy Sites
For those particularly interested in the historical aspects of the 2025 Wine Geese Festival, visit these Barton-related sites that aren’t part of the official programme:
- Tubrid Graveyard – Where many Barton family members are buried, with impressive headstones bearing the family name
- Pettigo – A border village with Barton connections
- Templecarne Parish Church – Featured in the Tubrid Tour with connections to the Barton dynasty
Planning Your 2025 Wine Geese Festival Visit
According to the official Event Booking Guide for the 2025 Wine Geese Festival:
- Most events are free to attend, though some require pre-booking via email to Kesh2Cask@outlook.com
- Premium events like the Formal Dining with Barton Wines (£120) and Meet the Maker (£70) require advance booking and payment
- Cross-border tours such as the Ballyshannon Tour and Barton Great Houses tours have varying costs (£45-£200) depending on your requirements
Book your stay at Belmore Court & Motel today to ensure the best possible experience during the 2025 Wine Geese Festival, and prepare to discover the fascinating intersection of Irish heritage and global wine culture against the beautiful backdrop of the Fermanagh Lakelands.
2025 Wine Geese Festival FAQ
The 2025 Wine Geese Festival is a month-long celebration running from 31st May to 28th June 2025 in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh and surrounding areas. It commemorates the Irish “Wine Geese” – emigrants who established prestigious vineyards abroad after leaving Ireland in the 17th-19th centuries, creating a lasting legacy in the global wine industry.
The Wine Geese were Irish emigrants who, following political upheavals like the Flight of the Earls (1607) and the Penal Laws era, settled in wine-producing regions of Europe and later the New World. Families like the Bartons, Lynches, and Hennessys became prominent figures in the wine and spirits trade, establishing vineyards and distilleries that continue to produce exceptional products today.
The festival runs from 31st May to 28th June 2025, with events primarily centered in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Some events extend into neighboring regions, including South Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. The main exhibition hub is at Enniskillen Castle Museums.
Most events are free to attend, though some require pre-booking via email to Kesh2Cask@outlook.com. Premium events like the Formal Dining with Barton Wines (£120) and Meet the Maker (£70) require advance booking and payment. We recommend booking early for these limited-capacity events.
The festival places special emphasis on the Barton dynasty, with dedicated events including the Ballyshannon Tours, Tubrid Tour, Barton Great Houses Tours, and the “Meet the Maker” tasting with the owner of Château Langoa Barton. There’s also a special film screening of “A Sip of Irish” focusing on French Tom Barton.
Yes! Several events feature wine tastings, including the Formal Dining with Barton Wines at Blakes of the Hollow (1st June), the Meet the Maker event at The Gourmet Grocer (4th June), and various other events throughout the festival. Some tastings are included in event prices, while others may have separate charges.
While the festival primarily caters to adults interested in wine and history, there are some family-friendly events, including the Fermanagh Yarns storytelling session at Enniskillen Library on 31st May. Children are welcome at the exhibitions and many of the cultural events, though wine tastings are strictly for adults (18+).
Belmore Court & Motel in Enniskillen provides the ideal accommodation for festival-goers, offering a central location within walking distance of many festival venues.
