Enniskillen is well known for its lakeside scenery, historic town centre and beautiful Fermanagh surroundings, but there is more to discover than the obvious visitor attractions. If you are looking for unusual things to do in Enniskillen, the town and wider Fermanagh area offer plenty of memorable experiences, from quirky museums and island ruins to underground caves, ancient stone figures, food tours and scenic adventures.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend break, planning a romantic escape, staying for a family trip, or simply looking for something different to do during your time in Fermanagh, Enniskillen is a brilliant base for exploring places with real character.
Here are some of the best unusual things to do in and around Enniskillen.
1. Visit Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum
One of Enniskillen’s quirkiest attractions is Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum. It is exactly what it sounds like: a working barber shop with a railway museum attached.
Fermanagh Lakelands describes it as one of the more “quirky and unusual” attractions in the area, making it a great stop for anyone who enjoys local history with a difference.
Inside, visitors can discover railway memorabilia and learn more about the railway heritage of Fermanagh, all in a setting that feels completely unlike a standard museum. It is a small but memorable stop, especially for anyone interested in transport history, local stories or unusual visitor attractions.
2. Explore Enniskillen’s Murals
For something a little different in the town centre, take time to look out for Enniskillen’s murals.
Fermanagh Lakelands notes that Enniskillen BID has commissioned 12 murals across the island town, adding colour, character and public art to the streets.
This is a lovely way to explore Enniskillen at a slower pace. Rather than rushing between attractions, you can wander through the town, spot different pieces of artwork and see familiar streets from a new perspective.
It is also a great option if you want something free, flexible and easy to fit around lunch, shopping or a hotel stay.
3. Take a Food Tour Through Enniskillen
Food tours are a brilliant way to experience a destination differently.
Instead of simply choosing somewhere to eat, a food experience gives you a taste of the town through local produce, hospitality and stories. Ireland.com highlights the Enniskillen Taste Experience as a way to discover Fermanagh’s local produce and see the island town from a unique perspective.
This is ideal for visitors who enjoy food, local businesses and experiences that feel more personal than a standard attraction.
It is also a great way to discover places you may not have found on your own.
4. Discover the Underground World of Marble Arch Caves
For one of the most dramatic unusual things to do near Enniskillen, visit Marble Arch Caves.
Ireland.com describes Marble Arch Caves as an underground system of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and cavernous chambers, making it one of the most memorable natural attractions in the area.
This is a completely different way to experience Fermanagh. Instead of lakes, forests or town streets, you head underground into a hidden landscape shaped by water and time.
It is a great option for families, couples, groups and anyone who wants something more adventurous during their stay.
5. Walk the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, often known as the Stairway to Heaven, is one of Fermanagh’s most iconic outdoor experiences.
Ireland.com notes that the trail crosses one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, with tracks, boardwalk and staircase sections leading towards Cuilcagh Mountain.
While it is now a well-known attraction, it still feels unusual because of the landscape. The boardwalk, open views and mountain setting give the walk a distinctive feel that is very different from a standard countryside stroll.
It is a brilliant choice for visitors who want fresh air, scenery and a sense of achievement.
6. Visit Devenish Island
A trip to Devenish Island is one of the most atmospheric things to do near Enniskillen.
Set on Lough Erne, Devenish Island is known for its monastic heritage and peaceful island setting. Fermanagh Lakelands highlights guided walks, boat trips and attractions that help visitors experience the area from the water.
There is something special about visiting a historic site by boat. It feels slower, quieter and more memorable than simply arriving by road.
For visitors interested in history, photography, heritage or peaceful places, Devenish Island is well worth adding to the itinerary.
7. Take to the Water on Lough Erne
Enniskillen is surrounded by water, so one of the best ways to see the area differently is from Lough Erne itself.
Fermanagh Lakelands says that the best way to really see the Lakelands is from the water, encouraging visitors to hop in a boat and explore.
Whether you choose a boat trip, cruiser experience, kayak, paddleboard or gentle lakeside activity, being on the water gives you a completely different view of Enniskillen and Fermanagh.
It is a lovely option for couples, families and groups looking for something scenic but memorable.
8. See the Mysterious Figures on Boa Island
For something genuinely unusual, plan a visit to Boa Island.
Ireland.com mentions Boa Island’s mysterious two-faced stone statues, thought to represent an unknown Celtic deity.
This is one of those places that feels quiet, strange and fascinating all at once. It is ideal for visitors interested in ancient history, folklore, archaeology or hidden gems.
Boa Island is not a typical tourist stop, which is exactly what makes it so interesting.
9. Visit Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre
A little further from Enniskillen, Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre offers a different kind of day out.
Ireland.com describes Belleek Pottery as one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions.
It is a great choice for visitors who enjoy craft, heritage, design and local making. Instead of simply browsing finished pieces, you can learn more about the history and skill behind one of the area’s best-known names.
It works well as part of a scenic drive through Fermanagh or a slower day of exploring beyond Enniskillen.
10. Try a Fermanagh Drinks Tour
For adults looking for something different, a drinks tour can be a fun way to experience local hospitality.
Tourism Ireland highlights the Rural Sip – Fermanagh Drinks Tour as a quirky experience that takes visitors through traditional rural pubs.
This is a great option if you want to experience the personality of Fermanagh beyond the usual attractions. It is social, local and full of character.
For couples, groups or friends visiting Enniskillen, it can be a memorable addition to a weekend break.
11. Explore Enniskillen Castle Differently
Enniskillen Castle is one of the town’s best-known attractions, but it is still worth including on an unusual itinerary if you take your time with the details.
Ireland.com notes that Enniskillen Castle was built almost 600 years ago by the Gaelic Maguires and sits beside the River Erne.
Rather than treating it as a quick sightseeing stop, spend time exploring the stories behind the building, the town’s military history and its position on the water.
It gives visitors a deeper understanding of Enniskillen’s role as an island town shaped by history, landscape and location.
12. Create Your Own Hidden Gems Trail
One of the best unusual things to do in Enniskillen is to build your own slow itinerary.
Start with coffee in town, look out for murals, visit a smaller attraction, take a walk by the water, browse independent shops, enjoy lunch, then head out towards Lough Erne or one of Fermanagh’s lesser-known scenic spots.
This kind of day is less about ticking off big attractions and more about enjoying the town properly.
Enniskillen is ideal for this because it has a relaxed pace, walkable streets, local food, independent character and easy access to countryside and lakes.
Where to Stay When Exploring Enniskillen
If you are planning to explore unusual things to do in Enniskillen, choosing the right hotel base makes the trip much easier.
The Westville Hotel offers comfortable accommodation close to Enniskillen town centre, making it a convenient choice for weekend breaks, romantic stays, family trips and Fermanagh adventures.
Guests can enjoy stylish rooms, warm hospitality and on-site dining at WV Bar & Restaurant, with easy access to the town and wider Fermanagh Lakelands.
Whether you are planning a relaxed break or building an itinerary full of hidden gems, The Westville Hotel gives you a comfortable place to return to after a day of exploring.
Book your Enniskillen stay at The Westville Hotel and discover a different side of Fermanagh.
FAQs
What are some unusual things to do in Enniskillen?
Unusual things to do in Enniskillen include visiting Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, exploring local murals, taking a food tour, visiting Devenish Island, discovering Marble Arch Caves and exploring Lough Erne by boat.
Is Enniskillen good for a weekend break?
Yes. Enniskillen is ideal for a weekend break, with lakeside scenery, historic attractions, local food, shopping, outdoor activities and plenty of unusual things to do nearby.
What hidden gems are near Enniskillen?
Hidden gems near Enniskillen include Boa Island, Devenish Island, Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, scenic Lough Erne viewpoints and lesser-known Fermanagh walking routes.
What can couples do in Enniskillen?
Couples can enjoy afternoon tea, food tours, boat trips on Lough Erne, scenic drives, Cuilcagh Boardwalk, Marble Arch Caves, dinner in town and relaxing hotel breaks.
Where should I stay when visiting Enniskillen?
The Westville Hotel is a comfortable and convenient base for visiting Enniskillen, with town-centre access, on-site dining and easy access to Fermanagh attractions.
Conclusion
Enniskillen has plenty of well-known attractions, but its more unusual experiences are what make a visit feel memorable.
From quirky museums and colourful murals to underground caves, ancient island carvings, food tours, boat trips and hidden heritage sites, there are many ways to experience the town and surrounding Fermanagh Lakelands differently.
For a comfortable base while exploring unusual things to do in Enniskillen, The Westville Hotel offers warm hospitality, stylish accommodation and a convenient location close to the heart of town. Book your escape to Enniskillen today!
