Travelling up to Northern Ireland, about three hours from Dublin, it the peaceful, idyllic Fermanagh Lakelands county and the town of Enniskillen.

One could almost pass through without visiting the area, but it's well worth the trip showcasing a different side to Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast.

The gorgeous lake provides a grand backdrop for outdoor activities, picnics, cycling and walking tours, but with limited time, I decide to engage in some history and visit the Enniskillen Castle and Museum.

Once home of the Gaelic Maguire chieftains and the 17th century Watergate, the castle barracks and museum is an interesting look into the battlegrounds of the township.

The Keep, dating back to the 1400s, was a stronghold to resist attack for the Maguire chieftains and allows visitors to roam its hallways.

Located only a five minute stroll from town hall, the castle is a good starting point for any tour before heading to the Buttermarket. The courtyard is now home to a variety of art studios, galleries, local craft shops, and is hard to believe that in the early 19th century it was once a dairy market.

The beautifully restored buildings is a tribute to local artists, and a good spot to pick up some traditional, handmade jewellery, art or crafts.

Castle Coole is another neo-classical masterpiece. Completed in 1798, the mansion captures the elegance of the opulence in its heyday and now has been landscaped to offer a unique venue for events or functions.

For more information, visit www.fermanaghlakelands.com

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