FAQs

Question

Where will the wedding and reception take place?

Answer

Venue name: Belle Isle Estate Location: Belle Isle Estate, Lisbellaw, Enniskillen BT94 5HG, United Kingdom - Country: Northern Ireland - County: Fermanagh - Village: Lisbellaw - Nearest town: Enniskillen (5 miles NW) Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/dTi1DQLv3Z5uZVTG6 Phone number: +44 (0) 286 638 7231

Question

Will food be provided?

Answer

There will be a catered wedding celebration (cocktail hour and reception) on Saturday evening (July 27th), as well as an outdoor cookout on Thursday evening (July 25th). For all other meals, there are nearby restaurants and grocery stores.

Question

Where will guests be staying for the wedding weekend (July 25-28)?

Answer

The wedding party and parents of the bride/groom will be joining Mary and Chris in the castle. Other guests will be staying in the cottages, houses, and courtyard apartments on Belle Isle. Once we (Mary and Chris) receive RSVPs, we’ll reach out to those attending to help book your accommodations on Belle Isle. If all of the accommodations on Belle Isle fill up, there are still several options for off-island accommodations. (Refer to the next FAQ for a list of these other accommodations.)

Question

What are some other accommodation options near Belle Isle?

Answer

If all of the accommodations on Belle Isle fill up, there are still several options for off-island accommodations. Here are some nearby accommodations (in order of proximity to Belle Isle): - Inishmore Island B&B (6 min from Belle Isle, $81 per night, not rated on Google Maps) - Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges (14 min from Belle Isle, $151 per night, 4.5 rating on Google Maps) - The Westville Hotel (15 min from Belle Isle, $157 per night, 4.4 rating on Google Maps) - The Enniskillen Hotel (16 min from Belle Isle, $138 per night, 4.3 rating on Google Maps) - Willowbank House (17 min from Belle Isle, $83 per night, 4.8 rating on Google Maps) - Knockninny Country House (17 min from Belle Isle, $228 per night, 4.4 rating on Google Maps) - Drumcoo Guest House (19 min from Belle Isle, $79 per night, 4.6 rating on Google Maps) - Clogher Valley Bed & Breakfast (19 min from Belle Isle, $81 per night, 4.9 rating on Google Maps) - Corrigans Shore House (19 min from Belle Isle, $122 per night, 4.8 rating on Google Maps) - Lough Erne Resort (26 min from Belle Isle, $211 per night, 4.6 rating on Google Maps) - Manor House Country Hotel (27 min from Belle Isle, $181 per night, 4.6 rating on Google Maps)

Question

What if we want to stay longer than just the 3-night wedding weekend?

Answer

If you’d like to stay longer than just 3 nights, you can directly book any of the available cottages, houses, and courtyard apartments (go to belle-isle.com) for before or after the 3-night wedding weekend. (We’d recommend before, e.g., arrive on Monday, July 22nd.)

Question

Will I need a passport?

Answer

Yes, you’ll need a passport to get into Ireland (into Republic of Ireland and/or Northern Ireland), which can take 8-11 weeks to renew if it’s currently expired.

Question

What kind of currency is used in Ireland (a.k.a. "Republic of Ireland") and in Northern Ireland?

Answer

The Republic of Ireland uses the single European currency known as the euro (€). This currency comes in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. The euro is divided into 100 cents; coins come in denominations of €2, €1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, 5¢, 2¢, and 1¢. As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses the British pound sterling (£). This currency has notes in denominations of £5, £10, £20, £50, and £100. Coins are issued in £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p denominations. The British pound is not accepted in the Republic, and the euro is not accepted in the North – if you're traveling in both parts of Ireland, you'll need some of both currencies, although shops right on the border tend to accept both.

Question

How much can I expect to pay in total?

Answer

The total expected cost for a party of 2, staying 3 nights, is about $3,548. Here's how that $3,548 was calculated: - $1,200/person for flights * 2 people = $2,400 - $200/night for cottage * 3 nights = $600 - $62/day for rental car * 4 days = $248 - $100/day for food * 3 days = $300

Question

What are Mary's and Chris' top recommendations of things to see in Ireland?

Answer

Our top recommendations in Ireland (Republic of Ireland): 1. Cliffs of Moher (Chris’ top recommendation): The massive cliffs overlooking the ocean that are Ireland's most famous tourist attraction. 2. Galway (Mary’s top recommendation): A harbour city that has lots of interesting shops, pubs, Irish folk music, and more. Our top recommendation in Northern Ireland: 1. Slieve League Cliffs: Some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Question

What are some other recommendations of things to see in Ireland?

Answer

Even more things to see or do in Ireland (Republic of Ireland): 1. Dingle: A beautiful area of sandy beaches, jagged cliffs, and green hills, which was once described by National Geographic as “the most beautiful place on earth.” There's also an aquarium for the kids. 2. Ring of Kerry: A 179km-long scenic drive will take you through rural seaside villages and along the rugged coastal landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula. 3. Blarney Stone: According to the old Irish legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the ‘gift of the gab’ (great eloquence or skill at flattery). 4. Glendalough in County Wicklow: Nicknamed ‘the garden of Ireland’, Wicklow is a nature-lover’s paradise of rolling meadows, vast lakes, and hillsides carpeted in purple heather. 5. Bunratty Castle: The most authentic castle in Ireland, dating back to the 15th century. You can take a tour of the fortress, hear stories of battles, enjoy stunning views, and feast in the Medieval Banquet. 6. Sean's Bar: The oldest bar in the world, it has been serving alcohol to locals for over 1100 years (since 900 AD)! Even more things to see or do in Northern Ireland: 1. Murder Hole Beach: After a short descent onto the beach, you will be greeted by beautiful caves and rugged surrounding cliffs. 2. Giant's Causeway: A 60-million year old rock formation made up of basalt columns and located on the beautiful Northern-Irish coastline. 3. Carrick-a-Rede: A famous rope bridge that links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-rede.

Question

What is there to do on or near Belle Isle?

Answer

Belle Isle and the surrounding area offer a range of things to do for people who love... - Water activities (e.g., boating, fishing) - Outdoor land activities (e.g., golf, archery) - Family activities (e.g., petting zoo, outdoor adventure center) - History (e.g., castle tours) - And more. Refer to the next few FAQs for specific lists of things to do.

Question

What are some fun land-based activities to do on or near Belle Isle?

Answer

For the whole family: - Walking Trails: Walk the 2 designated trails through Belle Isle's magical Black Bog Wood, around the green fields, and up over the rolling hill, taking a break by the water’s edge. - Fermanagh Fun Farm: Only 10 minutes away, Fermanagh Fun Farm is a special place where your children can get a chance to interact with and fall in love with animals in an educational way. - Horseback Riding: Belle Isle can organise horseback riding with The Forest Stables in Fivemiletown, an approved riding school and trekking centre. For the adults: - Golf: There are 3 golf courses near Belle Isle. Belle Isle can arrange preferred tee times, discounted greens fees, and other benefits at Lough Erne Golf Resort, Enniskillen Golf Club, and Castle Hume Golf Club. - Archery and Clay Pigeon Shooting: Archery and clay pigeon shooting can be arranged for groups of 8 or more. - Boatyard Distillery: You can tour this local distillery on the banks of Lough Erne and visit their tasting room. You can even label your own bottle of Boatyard Double Gin to take home.

Question

What are some other fun land-based activities to do on or near Belle Isle?

Answer

Picturesque: - Cuilcagh Mountain Boardwalk: The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, traversing over tracks, boardwalk, and staircase. It's nicknamed “Staircase to Heaven.” - Marble Arch Caves The Marble Arch Caves tour will take you down into the natural underground rivers, waterfalls, and chambers. You will get the chance to see a variety of cave formations as well as stalactites and stalagmites. Historic: - Enniskillen Castle: Enniskillen Castle was built around 600 years ago by the ruling Gaelic Maguires and provides a key to Irish history, as it transitioned from a medieval stronghold to a plantation castle to a military barracks. - Devenish Island: Devenish Island has an old monastic site which features a 30-meter Romanesque decorated round tower dating back to the twelfth century. - National Trust Properties: There are three National Trust properties in County Fermanagh: Castle Coole, Florence Court, and Crom Estate—2000 acre grounds featuring the Old Castle ruins and vast woodland. Even more land-based activities: - Enniskillen Taste Experience: A 3-hour guided tasting tour of edible delights around the town of Enniskillen. - Belleek Pottery: See first-hand the 16 steps that go into every piece of Belleek. - Blakes of the Hollow historic pub: One of Fermanagh's oldest pubs, which also has one of the 10 "Game of Thrones" doors. - Corralea Activity Centre: Outdoor spa, Nordic sauna experience, forest eco spa & more. Activities include electric bike hire, climbing, and canoeing. - NI School of Falconry: Meet, interact & learn all about a large selection of birds of prey, including eagles, vultures, falcons, owls and hawks.

Question

What are some fun water-based activities to do on or near Belle Isle?

Answer

Boating and fishing: - Motor Boating: You can rent a motorboat or kayak (single or tandem) to take out on the lake and tour the surrounding islands that make up the 470-acre estate. (Book at the reception office, at least one day in advance. Cost: £60 for the full day. Includes fuel, lifejackets, and a map of the waterways.) - Kayaks & Paddle Boards: You can rent kayaks (single or tandem) and paddle boards to take out on the lake. (Book at the reception office. Half-day slots from 9am or 1pm. Stand-up paddle board cost: £30. Kayak cost: £30 for a single kayak, £40 for a tandem kayak. Includes lifejackets & paddles.) - Fishing: Belle Isle has 4 pike fishing boats. You can fish on your own or one of their local and knowledgeable guides will accompany you. They will assist you with acquiring a fishing licence. - Upper and Lower Erne Loughs: County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland is dominated by the majestic Upper and Lower Erne Loughs, a place that is known for great food and drink. The Erne Water Taxi, Share Discovery Village's large cruiser, and the Inishcruiser are some of the ways to explore these Loughs. - Boat Tours: Belle Isle can organize your day out on the water, touring among the islands with either Erne Tours or Little Red Boats. Even more water-based activities: - Surfing: Belle Isle is only 1 hour away from world class surfing in Donegal. Belle Isle can arrange a lesson for you with Rossnowlagh Surf School. - Share Discovery Village: Offers land- and water-based adventures including an ice rink, archery, mountain biking, orienteering, bush craft, water obstacle courses, and banana boating. - Island Discovery Experience: Unique floating venue with food and entertainment for up to 12 people. - Share Centre water park - Corralea water park - Lakeland Forum swimming pool