© Walkers' Home Swap, 2013
Our Area
We live close to 3 villages – Pettigo 3 miles, Kesh 8 miles and Belleek 8 miles.
Kesh Village
The village of Kesh (8 miles away) is set on the north eastern edge of Lower Lough Erne, County Fermanagh in the heart of Ireland’s Lakeland. It is a popular tourist destination with two caravan parks, water sports centre, small beach, hotel, B&B accommodation, tourist information centre, golf, walking and fishing. The county town of Enniskillen 22 miles away.
The village most likely derives its name from the Irish term for a wicker crossing or light bridge. Kesh was the only post town served by a mail coach between Enniskillen and Ballyshannon until 1812. In 1618 there were 6 houses, in 1841 the population had risen to 248 with 54 houses. Today the population is closer to 1700.
Recently a new marina and boat park has been added to the village amenities, allowing boats cruising on Lough Erne to come up to the village.
Facilities in the village include:
- Hotel
- Chemist / Pharmacy
- Post office
- Cash Point (ATM)
- 2 public houses
- Restaurants
- Hardware store
- Garage
- Bakery / cafes
- Supermarkets
- Garden centre
- Water sports
- Youth centre
- Sports club
- Beauty Salon
- Play area
One of the local churches also has a famine graveyard (www.ardess.org).
Groups include: playgroup, parent and toddler group, football and cricket club, table tennis, bowls, scouts and guides, angling, Evergreen club.
Each year the Kesh Development Association organises a festival of fun and games which attracts many visitors (www.keshcarnival.com). Activities include: 10K run, vintage cars and tractors, I.F.I. soccer school and many more events.
Six miles away the town of Irvinestown also organises the ‘Lady of the Lake’ festival. This usually runs from around 14-20 July.
