Visiting Co
Donegal, Ireland
Avondale Farm Guesthouse is well located for visiting
numerous attractions in the area or for partaking of various different
activities - whatever your interests or sporting abilities we are sure
there will be something in the area to suit.
Our Local Area - Things to See & Do
Pottery, Arts
& Crafts
National
Trust Properties & Historical Interest
Scenic Areas &
Natural Landscapes
Theatre &
Cinema
Golf Courses
Cycling &
Equestrian
Other outdoor Activities
Click here
to find out more about Lough Derg
The Pettigo Area
The Cowshed Studio:-
Housed in a recently renovated stone barn the studios
are home to batik artist Alison Britton and her artist husband Dara
Hand, both of them graduates of the Belfast Art College.
Alison specialises in the ancient art of Batik (resist
dying fabric using wax) and a wide range of her framed work can be seen
at the Cowshed studios, from celtic designs to Irish landscape, unique
sea/fish themes to magnificent botanical studies.
Dara draws his inspiration from the rich celtic heritage
of Ireland and in particular Co Fermanagh for his range of celtic replicas,
wallhangings and garden sculpture. Call to the Cowshed and see all this
and much more.
Pettigo History Trail:-
Make your way around the Pettigo History Trail where
c30 plaques of a historical nature in and around the vicinity of Pettigo
and Tullyhommon have been erected to make locals and visitors to the
area alike aware of the huge amount of history and heritage of the Pettigo
area. Those involved have taken on the task of researching local history
and trying to find the best situation to erect these plaques in accessible
situations and with a sensitivity to the nature and purposes of the
grounds and buildings involved. Pettigo has a huge history for a small
town as can be seen from the booklet produced to accompany the trail.
Click on the link below to read more about the Pettigo History Trail
and to download a brochure.
www.pettigo.com
Walking Routes in Fermangh & Donegal:-
Go walking, rambling or hiking in picturesque Fermanagh and South Donegal
to discover local history, geology and wildlife in this unspoilt area.
Choose from waymarked ways, town or forest trails, countryside rambles,
archaeological or themed walks, mountain hikes and pleasant strolls
in country parks. For detailed guide books and maps call to Enniskillen,
Donegal Town or Bundoran Tourist Offices and Centres.
Walking Ireland, Donegal Town
+ 353 (0) 86 6059220
Pottery,
Arts & Crafts
 Belleek
Pottery:-
Just 14 miles from Avondale - Established in 1857,
Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in the cultural and commercial
heritage of County Fermanagh. Nestling on the banks of the River Erne
this imposing building is home to the world famous Belleek Fine Parian
china and also to one of Irelands top five visitor attractions.
The building which, up until 1988, was used to produce
Belleek has since been refurbished internally and features a museum,
tearoom, video theatre and showroom.
Visit www.belleek.ie
The Buttermarket, Enniskillen:-
 Take
a walk around the 16 Studios, Galleries, Shops and Coffee Shop of the
Buttermarket Courtyard, one of Ireland’s premier craft centres,
located in the heart of Enniskillen. Here you can purchase some of the
best art and craft products, all of which have been made in Fermanagh.
The early 19th century dairy market buildings have
been beautifully restored, and house such diverse crafts as pottery,
fly-tying, ceramics, handmade jewellery, textiles, picture framing and
original art.
Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the Buttermarket,
where you can enjoy a unique shopping experience, full of exclusive
products, which can only be found in the Studios, Galleries and Shops
around the Buttermarket Courtyard.
National
Trust Properties & Historical Interest
Castle Coole:-
 On
the outskirts of Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh stands Castle Coole, the
family home of the Earls of Belmore and one of the treasures of the
National Trust. Designed by James Wyatt, this magnificent neo-classical
house took ten years to build. It was completed in 1798.
Highlights of a tour of Castle Coole are the magnificent
state rooms with their sumptuous Regency furnishings. These include
the State Bedroom said to have been prepared for a visit by George IV
in 1821.
The surrounding 700 acre estate is a fitting setting
for the house, with parkland, Lough Coole and extensive woods.
Visitors may enjoy walks in the grounds and also see
the Grand Yard, the Servants' Tunnel, the recently restored Ice House,
the dairy, stables, laundry house and display room which includes the
Belmore Private Coach.
Florence Court:-
There is something for all the family at the warm and
welcoming 18th-century former home of the Earls of Enniskillen. The
house enjoys a peaceful setting in west Fermanagh, with a startlingly
beautiful backdrop of mountains and forests.
There are many glorious walks to enjoy, as well as
fine vistas and play areas in the outstanding grounds. There is even
a charming walled garden. Every aspect of life in this imposing classical
Irish house, with its fine interiors and exquisite decoration, are brought
to life on the fascinating guided tours. Outside there are numerous
unusual places to explore, including a sawmill, ice house and the thatched
Heather House.
 Enniskillen
Castle & Regimental Museum:-
Enniskillen Castle, situated beside the River Erne
in County Fermanagh, was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires.
Guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it was strategically important
throughout its history. In the 17th century it became an English garrison
fort and later served as part of a military barracks.
This historic site houses two museums, Fermanagh County
Museum and The Inniskillings Museum.
The Ulster American Folk Park:-
The Ulster American Folk Park is an open-air museum
in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The museum tells the story of emigration
from Ulster to America in the 18th & 19th centuries and provides
visitors with a "living history" experience on its outdoor
site. Costumed demonstrators go about their everyday tasks in the traditional
manner in authentically furnished Old and New World buildings.
The Ship and Dockside Gallery features a full-size
reconstruction of an early 19th century sailing ship of the type which
carried thousands of emigrants across the Atlantic and a major indoor
exhibition "Emigrants" compliments the outdoor site.
Scenic Areas &
Natural Landscapes
Marble Arch Caves:-
 The
Marble Arch Caves European Geopark in Co Fermanagh, is host to one of
Europe's finest showcaves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating,
natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty
chambers.
Lively and informative guides conduct tours past a
bewildering variety of cave formations – stalactites glisten above
stream ways and chambers while fragile mineral veils and cascades of
creamy calcite coat walls and spread as shimmering terraces across rock
strewn floors.
The Giants Causway:-
Designated as a World Heritage site, here the visitor
can witness a spectacular sight of about 40,000 six sided basalt column,
estimated to be about 55 million years old, which were formed by cooling
lava. The site stretches for 2 miles along the Antrim coast where there
are scenic walks that take you past splendid amphitheaters and fine
rock formations. The visitors' centre provides audio-visual shows and
interactive exhibitions which explains in detail the formation of the
causeway attributed to the giant Finn MacCool (mythology) and also the
actual geology involved.
Beaches & Cliffs in Donegal:-
Long stretches of golden beach, soaring cliffs, spectacular
mountains and idyllic lakes and glens are just some of the wonderful
natural scenery on offer in Co Donegal. The beaches at Rossknowlagh
and Murvagh are within easy reach and the magnificent Slieve League
cliffs are not to be missed - soaring sea cliffs that plummet 300m into
the wild surf below.
Theatre
& Cinema
Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen:-
 The
Ardhowen Theatre is situated in a panoramic Lakeview setting just a
bend in the river away from the historic Island Town of Enniskillen.
The Ardhowen, which opened in 1986, offers a year-round programme of
professional drama, classical music, opera, ballet, contemporary dance,
jazz, blues, variety, comedy, country music, puppets, mime, children's
events, traditional Irish music and dance, ethnic arts and lectures.
Its programme also includes a wide variety of community-based and amateur
events such as plays, concerts, charity events and school performances.
Check What's On www.ardhowentheatre.com
Strule Art Centre, Omagh:-
Strule Arts Centre is a 10. 5million pound purpose-built, state-of-the-art
centre that provides a dynamic entertainments programme and conference
and hire facilities to the general public throughout the local area
and beyond.
Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon:-
The cinema features full Dolby sound and access for wheelchair users,
whilst the main auditoria range from the 300 seat screen 1 to the 100
seater screen 2. There is also a brand new auditorium that seats up
to 83 people and has ample facility for stage productions.
Enniskillen Omniplex:-
7 Screen Cinema in Enniskillen which is open daily from 6pm and from
12noon Saturday and Sunday. Free on-site car parking.
All screens have high backed luxury stadium seating in all auditoria
giving a perfect view from every seat. Open plan foyer with seating
area and Games room. Infra-red loop system in all screens. Audio description
and subtitled shows on a weekly basis. ATM ticket purchase and collection
machines in foyer.
Golf Courses
There are numerous Golf Courses within easy travelling distance of
Avondale, some are closer than others and some are well worth the extra
few miles ...
 Donegal
Golf Club at Murvagh - Just 15 minutes from Avondale - this outstanding
links golf course offers a genuine challenge to the accomplished golfer
and is an all round “true” test of golf. Being one of the
longest golf courses in Ireland and Europe, it is ideally suited to
big hitters of the ball. The reputation of Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh,
designed by the legendary course architect Eddie Hackett, has been further
enhanced by the new designs of Pat Ruddy.
Continually featured in Golf Worlds Top 100 Courses in Ireland &
Great Britain, this is a real challenge not to be missed. Darren Clarke,
one of the heroes of the recent Ryder Cup held at the K Club, has described
Donegal Golf Club as “one of my favourite courses in the World”.
Bundoran, Co Donegal - 18 hole, championship course. Lessons
available, two instructors. This course is one the oldest in the area
and on the sea front. Clubs & carts can be hired.
Castle Coole, Co Fermanagh - 18 hole, parkland course. Castle
Coole is an old course set in the grounds of Castle Coole, (the National
Trusts most important property), and amongst mature trees. 100 years
old. Clubs & carts can be hired.
Castle Hume, Co Fermanagh - 18 hole, championship course. Total
of 6,900 yards in length from the championship tees and has a par of
72. The standard scratch score from the championship tees is 71. The
course is famed for its large curvaceous greens, its rolling fairways,
Its natural watercourse and its challenging water hazards.
Narin & Portnoo, Co Donegal - 18 hole, links courses. Very
picturesque course in South-West Donegal. Some very challenging holes.
Fintona, Co Tyrone - 9 hole, park land course. This course is
set amongst mature trees and is 75 years old.
Sleive Russell, Co Cavan - 18 hole, champion course. A new course
built to the highest standard. Clubs, carts & buggys can be hired.
Omagh, Co Tyrone - 18 hole, parkland course. Originally a 9
hole course with another 9 holes added recently. Clubs & carts can
be hired.
Cycling &
Equestrian
 The
Kingfisher Cycle Trail:-
The Kingfisher Trail loops around lakes and islands, winds by rivers
and streams, and passes through woods and forest and country parks.
You'll cycle to scenic viewpoints as well as down rustic village streets.
Primarily based in the Fermanagh and Leitrim lakelands, the Trail also
brings you to historic monuments and attractive landmarks. The entire
region is steeped in culture: music, song, and storytelling. You can
time your tour to coincide with local festivals or simply enjoy the
traditional entertainments available all year round.
There are six suggested tours, designed to suit varying levels of cyclist.
Visit www.cycletoursireland.com
 Deane's
Equestrian Centre & Open Farm:-
This is your chance to capture Irish country lifestyle at its best.
Meet the Deane family, feed, nurse and walk the animals, both large
and small. Deane's Equestrian Centre is located in South West Donegal,
with an indoor arena, outdoor arenas, show-jumping grounds and cross
country course. Pony rides and short-lead rides are available for the
young and not so young. Trekking along quiet country roads, through
the hills of Donegal for all levels of riding ability. Farm hacks at
your leisure or faster treks for the more experienced rider. AIRE approved.
Other outdoor
Activities
Boat Tours:-
Donegal Bay Waterbus is berthed at Donegal Harbour. The tour takes
you around Donegal Bay taking in local points of interest and lasts
for around 70 minutes or so. Further information can be had by E-mail
from the Harbour Office, in Donegal Town.
Donegal Bay Waterbus, Donegal Town
+353 (0) 74 9723666
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