Overview
Killesher is a tranquil parish in the south‑west of County Fermanagh, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Cuilcagh Mountains and the shimmering waters of Lough MacNean and Upper Lough Erne. The area lies within the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, a mosaic of blanket bog, limestone karst, ancient woodlands and waterfalls. Its most recognisable landmarks are the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), a series of prehistoric stone sites, and the St Patrick’s Church (Crossroads Chapel) – a spired hilltop church that dominates the skyline.
History / Background
The name Killesher (Irish Cill Laisreach) means “the church of Lasair”, referring to Saint Lasair, a 6th‑century holy woman who founded the first Christian settlement on the site. Remnants of that early monastery survive as a ruined medieval church, a holy well and a souterrain known as Saint Lasair’s Cell. During the Penal era worship moved to hidden Mass‑rocks and Mass‑gardens, leaving a network of clandestine sites across the parish.
The Anglican presence dates from the 17th century when a modest stone church was erected. In 1819 a £600 Board of First Fruits loan enabled the addition of the tower and the slender spire that still crowns the hill. The building survived the Great Famine and the turbulence of the 19th century, but a catastrophic fire in 1979 reduced it to its porch, tower and spire. The community rebuilt the nave by 1982, preserving the historic silhouette while creating a comfortable interior. The new interior is lit by a suite of stained‑glass windows installed in the early 1980s, each commemorating parishioners and depicting biblical scenes such as the Parable of the Sower, the Good Shepherd and the Ascension.
The churchyard records the local aristocracy, most notably the graves of five Earls of Enniskillen, including the 6th Earl, David Cole MBE, and the long‑serving estate head Herbert Moisley. Other notable interments are Rev. William Richey Bailey, who crafted the original pulpit, and William Willis, a Japanese‑trained medical officer who founded the Tokyo Medical School.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) | Trail | 11 km loop across blanket bog, 450 wooden steps to a summit platform with panoramic views of Cavan, Leitrim and Donegal. |
| Cuilcagh Mountain Summit | Summit | Sweeping outlook over the lowlands; continuous ascent rewarding hikers with open sky. |
| Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park | Parking | Main trailhead; 3‑space car park, £5 cash fee. |
| Giant’s Grave & Giant’s Cave | Historical site | Megalithic tombs linked to local legend of two giants competing for a giantess. |
| Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones | Historical site | Stone‑Age park with interpretive trails and mythic sacred stones. |
| Cladagh Glen Waterfall | Natural feature | Limestone gorge with an elegant arch, ancient ash trees and seasonal bluebells. |
| Florence Court Estate | Estate / Forest | 18th‑century National Trust house, 10 mi of walking and cycling trails, water‑powered sawmill and blacksmith’s forge. |
| Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark (15 min drive) | Cave system | Subterranean rivers, waterfalls and accessible pathways. |
| St Patrick’s Church (Crossroads Chapel) | Religious site | Open daylight hours; spire visible from Florence Court, interior adorned with 1980s stained‑glass windows. |
| Ancient Holy Well & Souterrain (Saint Lasair’s Cell) | Historical site | Remains of the original 6th‑century settlement, offering a glimpse into early Irish Christianity. |
Getting There & Transport
- By car: The parish is accessed via the A46 Enniskillen‑to‑Derrylin road, with the main trailhead car park situated just off this route. The drive from Enniskillen takes around 15 minutes.
- Public transport: Bus services to Derrylin run several times daily; from there it is a 5 km walk or a short taxi ride to the board‑walk car park. There is no direct bus stop in Killesher itself.
- Airports: The nearest international airport is Belfast International (≈70 km north‑west), with car hire options for reaching County Fermanagh.
Nearby Attractions
- Cladagh Glen – a short drive north, offering a woodland walk to a striking limestone waterfall.
- Boho – known for its dramatic karst landscape and the ancient Boho Caves.
- Castle Coole – an 18th‑century Palladian house set in extensive parkland, ideal for a cultural stop.
- Belmore Forest – forest walks and a Neolithic cairn on the slopes of Belmore Mountain.
Practical Information
- Location: Killesher, County Fermanagh, on the Enniskillen‑to‑Derrylin road (approx. 10 km south‑west of Enniskillen).
- Access: Reachable by car via the A46; the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail car park is off the same road. Public transport is limited – the nearest bus stop is in Derrylin (≈5 km).
- Parking: Free roadside parking is available near the church; the boardwalk trail car park charges £5 cash (no card facilities).
- Opening hours: St Patrick’s Church is open during daylight hours; the boardwalk trail is accessible year‑round, though the steps can be icy in winter.
- Facilities: Restrooms at the boardwalk car park and at Florence Court; a small café at Florence Court serves tea and local pastries.
- Accessibility: The boardwalk trail includes wooden steps and uneven bog terrain – not suitable for wheelchairs. The church interior is wheelchair‑friendly after the 1982 reconstruction.
- Visitor tips: Arrive early in summer to enjoy the bluebell‑filled glens; bring waterproof boots for the bog walk; respect the quiet of the churchyard and the historic graves.
Killesher’s blend of rugged natural beauty, ancient stone monuments and a resilient place of worship makes it a compelling destination for anyone seeking the spiritual and geological heart of Ireland’s north‑west.