Ely Lodge Forest
Tranquil forest walks with historical charm, offering lakeside views and abundant wildlife. A serene escape in County Fermanagh.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Ely Lodge Forest
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil forest walks with historical charm, offering lakeside views and abundant wildlife. A serene escape in County Fermanagh.
"Great little place to go for a walk, good natural growth, very colorful selection of banded snails."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof boots are a must for comfortable exploration.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bring your furry friends! Many visitors enjoy exploring the forest with their dogs, who love the puddles.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lakeshore Walks
Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark
Meander through ancient woodlands with stunning views of Lough Erne. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Historical Estate Remnants
Former Marquis of Ely Estate
Discover the history of this once grand estate, with remnants of its past adding a unique charm to the landscape.
Abundant Wildlife
Forest trails
Spot colorful banded snails and grove snails, and enjoy the rich biodiversity of this protected natural area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lakeside Serenity
Best Footwear for Forest Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof boots are a must for comfortable exploration.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bring your furry friends! Many visitors enjoy exploring the forest with their dogs, who love the puddles.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The forest offers beautiful natural light and serene views, perfect for photography.
🚶♀️ Choose Your Trail
Three distinct lakeshore walks are available, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof boots are a must for comfortable exploration.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bring your furry friends! Many visitors enjoy exploring the forest with their dogs, who love the puddles.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The forest offers beautiful natural light and serene views, perfect for photography.
🚶♀️ Choose Your Trail
Three distinct lakeshore walks are available, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ely Lodge Forest for its beautiful natural growth and serene forest walks, highlighting it as a great spot for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape. The abundance of colorful snails is a unique and appreciated feature. Some reviews suggest it's a developing area, implying potential for future enhancements.
"A Superb new Development"
Seamus McBride
"Great little place to go for a walk, good natural growth, very colorful selection of banded snails and grove snails"
Simon
"Go there"
Mary Monks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ely Lodge Forest is accessible by car and is located on a secluded peninsula beside the Donegal/Fermanagh border. It's approximately 2.5 hours from Dublin and 2 hours from Belfast.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors, making it convenient to access the forest trails.
While not a primary access point for the forest itself, the nearby Carrickreagh Bay features floating boathouses and jetties, suggesting water access is a feature of the Lough Erne area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding ticket prices or entry fees for Ely Lodge Forest is not readily available, suggesting it may be a free-access natural area.
As a natural forest area, Ely Lodge Forest is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific opening times are not usually enforced for such locations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ely Lodge Forest offers three distinct lakeshore walks, ranging in difficulty and length, allowing visitors to experience the diverse natural beauty.
While specific bird watching information isn't highlighted, the forest's rich biodiversity and natural setting make it a potential haven for various bird species.
Visitors have reported seeing a colorful selection of banded snails and grove snails. The forest is teeming with natural life.
Yes, the forest offers a great natural environment for families to explore. Dogs are also welcome and seem to enjoy the puddles!
📸 📸 Photography
The lakeshore walks offer stunning natural light and serene views, ideal for capturing the forest's beauty. The historical remnants also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! With its lush greenery, diverse wildlife like snails, and tranquil lakeside settings, it's a prime location for nature photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The historical context of the Marquis of Ely's estate can also be a fun element to introduce to children, sparking their imagination about the past.Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited. The natural setting provides ample space for children to run around and connect with nature. It's a great opportunity for them to learn about local flora and fauna in a relaxed and engaging environment. Remember to dress them in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for their forest adventure.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Explorers
The various walking trails provide plenty of space for dogs to stretch their legs and sniff out new scents. It's a great way to ensure your furry friend gets their exercise while you enjoy the beautiful scenery.Remember to keep your dog on a lead where appropriate to respect other visitors and the local wildlife. The natural environment is rich with interesting smells and textures, making it an exciting outing for pets. The peaceful atmosphere of the forest ensures a relaxing experience for both you and your dog.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark
This historical connection adds a layer of intrigue to the natural beauty, with remnants of the estate still visible, offering a glimpse into the past. The geopark designation ensures that the area is managed for its ecological significance and visitor experience.The forest offers three distinct lakeshore walks, each providing a different perspective of the landscape. These trails are perfect for immersing yourself in nature, whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a more invigorating hike. The proximity to Lough Erne means that water views are a constant companion on many of the paths. Visitors often describe the experience as peaceful and rejuvenating, a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The natural growth and vibrant ecosystem make it a fascinating place to explore.For those who enjoy observing wildlife, Ely Lodge Forest is a delight. It's noted for its colorful selection of banded snails and grove snails, adding a unique element to the forest floor.
A Glimpse into History: The Ely Estate
The forest served as one of the gatehouses to this grand estate, hinting at the scale and grandeur of the original property. Exploring the forest today allows visitors to walk through grounds that were once meticulously managed and designed by one of the region's most prominent families.While the grand lodge itself may no longer stand in its original form, the historical remnants within the forest offer a tangible link to its past. These subtle clues, combined with the enduring natural landscape, create a unique atmosphere. The forest's development as a natural area now preserves the ecological integrity of the land while acknowledging its rich human history. It’s a place where nature and history intertwine, offering a more profound experience for visitors.
The presence of the floating boathouse at Carrickreagh Bay, near Ely Lodge, further emphasizes the historical and ongoing relationship between the land and Lough Erne.
This area has long been a hub for activity and a gateway to the surrounding waterways. Understanding the historical context of the Ely Estate enriches the visit, transforming a simple walk in the woods into a journey through time. It’s a reminder of the layers of history that lie beneath the surface of this beautiful natural setting. 
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