Hey all,  I am just back from a relaxing week-end break in Fermanagh. We stayed at Lakeland Lodges which is located in Aghnablaney near Boa Island.  These holiday homes are located in beautiful woodland area on the shores of Lough Erne.  There are approximately twelve homes located here which are available to rent.  

I did check if they welcomed hen/stag parties but I was advised they don’t.  It is more suited to families and couples or anyone who is looking for a quiet and relaxing stay.  The marina, tennis court, children’s playground, nature trails, and indoor games centre on site offer a wide range of activities in the immediate vicinity. On our visit however there did not seem to be too much of an uptake on these facilities, I assume they would be busier in the summer months. 

The house we stayed in consisted of four levels, the sitting room was on the bottom floor, there was two twin bedrooms and a bathroom on the level that you enter the house, up from this was the kitchen/dining area and then the top level had a double bedroom and bathroom.  As it was self-catering it had everything you needed. In the sitting room the patio doors opened out onto a green and then you had the lake.  It was perfect.  In the garden there was a table, chairs and a barbecue.   Even though we had the perfect weather of 22 degrees, we didn’t have barbecue instead we opted to go to lusty beg for dinner.  

The lodges provide a perfect location for those wishing to explore other parts of Fermanagh and even Donegal.  We were only a short drive from Belleek, the Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen and Bundoran.  

As we were only visiting for the weekend and restricted on time we decided to visit Lusty Beg as I have heard a lot about it.  For those of you that don’t know, Lusty Beg is a private 75 acre island.  We were only a 3mile drive from it. On arrival we parked the car and took the ferry over.  Only guests that are staying on the island are allowed to bring their cars over.  The ferry journey is literally a 2min sail across.   You can see the island from the car park.  The ferry operates very regularly.  We did not have to wait about on our journey over or back. 

On arrival we decided to get a bite to eat.  Lunch was being served so we chose to eat outside.  I chose Lasagne and chips, though I was tempted to try out the Chilli Burger. 

While we were at Lusty Beg there was a wedding reception taking place.  With the seclusion and privacy of the island, Lusty Beg offers couples a truly magical choice and appears to be a very popular choice among couples.   Lusty Beg Island is also licensed to hold civil ceremonies.  On arrival the guests were welcomed with a wine reception and a chocolate fountain. There was also a three piece band playing outside. We watched as the bridal party floated around the island getting their pictures taken.  There was some amazing photo opportunities.  Lusty Beg can cater for up to 200 guests.  It was suddenly then we realised why it had been fully booked from February 2009 as we did try to book accommodation on the island. 

The accommodation options at Lusty Beg consist of 5 star Inish Lodges, 3 star chalets and the Courtyard Motel.  As we were not residents we were advised our options on the island were limited we could really only walk around the nature trial and sample their food, both of which we done.  The walk took us approximately 30mins.  The facilities on Lusty Beg include an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, sauna, nature trail, football pitch and games room.  I will certainly be making my way back to Fermanagh in the very near future.  Who knows maybe next time I will get to stay on the island itself. 

For all of you brides who have chosen Lusty Beg Island for your wedding ceremony or reception I have no doubt you will have a truly magical day.  

I have attached website address for both locations below. 

http://www.lakelandlodges.com/ 

 http://www.lustybegisland.com/