Lough Erne

Lough Erne. Located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, it is a significant Lough in the British Isles, connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the River Erne and the River Shannon-River Erne waterway. The Lough is situated near the Marble Arch Caves, a popular tourist destination, and is close to the Cuilcagh Mountains and the Benaughlin Mountain. The surrounding area is home to several notable towns, including Enniskillen, Belleek, and Belturbet, which are connected to the Lough by the River Erne and other waterways, such as the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Grand Canal (Ireland).

Geography

The geography of the area surrounding Lough Erne is characterized by rolling hills, drumlins, and limestone landscapes, similar to those found in the Burren region of County Clare. The Lough itself is approximately 69 kilometres long and 14 kilometres wide, with a maximum depth of 69 metres, and is fed by several rivers, including the River Erne, which flows from the Cuilcagh Mountains and the River Sillees, which flows from the Sillees River catchment area. The surrounding landscape has been shaped by the Ice Age, which carved out the Lough and created the unique drumlin landscape, similar to that found in County Cavan and County Monaghan. The area is also home to several notable Special Areas of Conservation, including the Cuilcagh Mountain Special Area of Conservation and the Lough Erne Special Area of Conservation, which are protected by the European Union's Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive.

History

The history of Lough Erne dates back to the Mesolithic era, with evidence of human settlement found in the surrounding area, including the Devenish Island and the White Island. The Lough has been an important transportation route throughout history, with the River Erne and the Shannon-Erne Waterway connecting the area to the Atlantic Ocean and other parts of Ireland and the United Kingdom. The area has been influenced by various cultures, including the Vikings, who settled in the area and established trade routes, and the Normans, who built several castles, including the Enniskillen Castle and the Belleek Castle. The Lough has also played a significant role in the History of Ireland, with several notable events taking place in the surrounding area, including the Battle of the Boyne and the Irish Rebellion of 1641.

Ecology

The ecology of Lough Erne is diverse, with several species of fish, including the Atlantic salmon, the Brown trout, and the Eel, which are found in the Lough and its surrounding waterways, such as the River Erne and the River Shannon. The area is also home to several species of birds, including the Whooper swan, the Mute swan, and the Great crested grebe, which can be found in the surrounding wetlands, such as the Lough Erne Wetlands and the Cuilcagh Mountain Wetlands. The Lough is an important habitat for several species of plants, including the Water lily and the Irish moss, which are found in the surrounding wetlands and are protected by the European Union's Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. The area is also home to several notable Special Areas of Conservation, including the Cuilcagh Mountain Special Area of Conservation and the Lough Erne Special Area of Conservation, which are protected by the European Union's Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive.

Economy

The economy of the area surrounding Lough Erne is diverse, with several industries, including Agriculture, Tourism, and Manufacturing, which are supported by the Lough and its surrounding waterways, such as the River Erne and the Shannon-Erne Waterway. The area is home to several notable companies, including the Belleek Pottery, which is located in Belleek and produces high-quality Pottery, and the Enniskillen Castle museum, which showcases the history and culture of the area. The Lough is also an important source of Hydroelectric power, with several power stations, including the Ballyshannon Hydroelectric Power Station and the Belturbet Hydroelectric Power Station, which are located on the River Erne and generate electricity for the surrounding area. The area is also home to several notable Fishing industries, including the Lough Erne Fishery, which is managed by the Loughs Agency and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Tourism

The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the economy of the area surrounding Lough Erne, with several attractions, including the Marble Arch Caves, the Cuilcagh Mountains, and the Enniskillen Castle, which are located near the Lough and offer a range of activities, including Hiking, Cycling, and Water sports. The area is also home to several notable Festivals, including the Enniskillen Festival and the Belleek Festival, which celebrate the culture and heritage of the area. The Lough is a popular destination for Boating and Fishing, with several marinas, including the Enniskillen Marina and the Belleek Marina, which offer a range of services, including Boat hire and Fishing equipment. The area is also home to several notable Golf courses, including the Enniskillen Golf Club and the Belleek Golf Club, which offer a range of facilities, including Golf lessons and Club hire. Category:Loughs of Northern Ireland