Crom Estate

Crom is a 2,000-acre estate of tranquil islands, ancient woodland and parkland on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, and one of Ireland's most important conservation areas, home to pine martens, wild deer and a wealth of butterflies. Beside the water stand the ruins of the 17th-century Old Crom Castle, now a secluded monument with views over the lough, and close by grow a conjoined pair of English yews thought to be nearly 400 years old. On Gad Island opposite rises Crighton Tower, a 19th-century folly built as an observatory, and a bird hide looks out over Derrymacrow Lough. Boats, canoes and bikes can be hired, the coarse fishing is among the best in Northern Ireland, and children have a play area by the car park. Dogs on leads are welcome on the estate trails and in the visitor centre, but not in the tea-room. Reviewers love how quiet and wild it feels compared with more manicured places, with picnic tables along the shore. Tips from visitors: the tea-room takes cash only, and boaters on the Erne can moor at the public jetty near the visitor centre.