The Hub of North Fermanagh
Irvinestown is the hub of North Fermanagh, providing a wide range
of shops, bars and facilities for the wider area. The town has a
population of approximately 2200 and is growing steadily. Originally
founded in 1618 by Sir Gerald Lowther and named Lowtherstown, the
town later passed to the Irvine’s of Dumfries and changed name
accordingly.
 In
the Plantation tradition, the town is built around an extremely
wide main street which still hosts a vibrant market through the
year and, famously, a large 10 day summer festival and carnival.
This is called as the ‘Lady of The Lake Festival’ and
begins annually on the first Friday following the 12th of July.
This is the largest cross-community Festival to be held in Northern
Ireland and is named after the mythical figure which is said to
appear gliding over the waters of Lower Lough Erne, wearing a flowing
blue gown and carrying a bunch of flowers. The Lady is said to be
an omen of good times to come…
The town boasts a famous connection through Mrs Delaney, wife of Patrick
Delaney, Rector of Irvinestown and later Bishop of Down. Mrs Delaney
was a key figure on the London Literary scene prior to her marriage,
mixing with Pope, Burke, Walpole and Swift in the 18th Century. Her
biography provides a famous record of both the literary scene and
Anglo-Irish gentrified life at the time.
 Irvinestown
today is known for its equestrian connections, with the Necarne
Castle Equestrian School located nearby. Most visitors to the town
will find themselves drawn to Mahon’s Hotel at some point to
savour both the atmosphere and the hospitality, which Irvinestown
has to offer. The hotel hosts an annual fishing competition in the
first week of May that has grown to become internationally recognised
as one of the most prestigious angling competitions in the world.
A large prize fund and guaranteed quality angling attract the top
anglers in the world to compete.
Mahon’s is far from the only place where good quality food,
drink and entertainment can be found. Irvinestown is home to the
usual complement of friendly and unique local restaurants and hostelries,
each of which demands to be sampled at some length!
|
