One of the nicest things about a break here is that you never have to go far for a proper feed. Whether you fancy a special night out, a big Sunday roast, a wood fired pizza with the children, or just a pint and a tune, it is all within an easy run of the house. People ask us at breakfast most mornings where they should eat, so here is exactly what we tell them, the way we would tell a friend.
For a really special night
If you want to push the boat out, you are in rare company here. Just over the border at Blacklion, a short drive from us, is MacNean House and Restaurant, the home of Neven Maguire, one of the best known chefs in the country. It is the sort of meal people plan a whole trip around, so book well ahead, as tables go months in advance. If you have something to celebrate, this is the one.
Lovely country restaurants close by
You do not have to cross a border for a beautiful meal, mind. Tully Mill at Florencecourt is right beside the Marble Arch Caves, so it pairs perfectly with a day underground, and it does proper, hearty Irish cooking in a warm old mill setting. It is especially lovely of an evening, with the lights reflecting on the water. The kind of place you leave feeling well looked after.
A bite in Enniskillen town
When you are out and about in Enniskillen, you will not be stuck for somewhere good. Franco’s has been a favourite in the town for years, a relaxed, family friendly spot for pizza, pasta and seafood, and Angie’s New Haven does a cracking wood fired pizza if that is what you are after. The Crowe’s Nest, right in the heart of the town, is a lively bar and restaurant with good food and regular live music, so it is a grand spot to make an evening of it. Granny Annie’s Bar and Kitchen is warm and full of character, lovely for a relaxed bite, and the Firehouse is another popular town favourite worth a look. If you would rather a bit of history with your pint, Blakes of the Hollow, the grand old Victorian pub on the main street, is a beauty. And there are plenty of good cafes for lunch and coffee between the shops. Ask us and we will point you to whatever suits the day.
Breakfast and dinner here at Arch House
Of course, the easiest meal of all is the one waiting for you back at the house. We are not just a bed and breakfast, we have our own wee restaurant here for guests. Breakfast is a generous selection with a proper cooked menu, everything from a full fry to smoked salmon and scrambled egg, kippers or French toast, all made with local produce. In the evenings we serve an extensive home-cooked menu too, so after a long day out you can settle in without having to head back into the car. Just order with us the night before or the morning of and we will have it ready. You can see the full menu on our dining page.
A pint and a bit of music
Fermanagh does a good night out, and the music is half the fun. Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen is a real institution, a proper old pub with traditional music and dancing that has been going for the guts of eighty years. The Crowe’s Nest often has live music on too, Blakes of the Hollow is lovely for a quiet pint with a bit of character, and several of the town pubs put on entertainment through the week if you time it right. We can always find out who is playing where during your stay, so just ask.
A few things worth knowing
The popular places book up, especially at weekends and in the summer, so it is always worth ringing ahead, and for MacNean well ahead. Some spots are a short drive out in the countryside, which is half their charm, so a car helps. And if you are ever stuck for where to go, just ask us at breakfast. Half the fun of running a wee B&B is sending people off to the places we love and hearing how they got on.
A few questions we get asked
Where is the best place to eat near Arch House?
It depends on the mood. For a special occasion, Neven Maguire’s MacNean House at Blacklion is hard to beat. For a lovely local dinner, Tully Mill at Florencecourt is minutes from us. And for something relaxed in town, Franco’s or the Crowe’s Nest in Enniskillen are long standing favourites.
Do we need to book?
For the popular restaurants, yes, particularly at weekends and in summer, and MacNean books up months ahead. For a casual bite or a pub meal you are usually grand to just turn up, though a quick call never hurts.
Can we eat at Arch House?
You can. A generous buffet breakfast comes with every stay, and we serve an extensive home-cooked evening menu for guests too, so you can have a night in after a long day exploring. Just order the night before or in the morning.
Where can we hear traditional music?
Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen is the go to for trad music and dancing, and the Crowe’s Nest and a few other town pubs have live music through the week. We are always happy to find out what is on while you are here.
Come and make Arch House your base
All of this is so much nicer with a comfortable place to come home to. Arch House is a family run B&B in the countryside at Florencecourt, minutes from the caves and Florence Court and a short drive from Enniskillen. You get a comfortable en-suite room, a proper homemade breakfast, free parking and free WiFi, and a warm welcome from people who know the area inside out. Have a look at our rooms, book direct with us for the best rate, and give us a shout if you would like a hand planning your trip. We would love to have you.
