Things to do in Fermanagh this October- from fireworks to gin and jazz

The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting longer and leaves are well and truly falling - October is upon us once again.

While the summer days seem well behind us at this stage, many still look forward to autumn in Co Fermanagh and there are plenty of things to keep us occupied around the county over the next few weeks.

With October comes Halloween as well, with plenty of activities for both young and old to be kept busy as we head towards the main event in Enniskillen, with the traditional fireworks display to return for the first time since 2019.

Here’s a round up of 10 things to do across the county over the next month.

Fermanagh Live

Some of the best of local arts talent in the west are set to be showcased as the Fermanagh Live festival is set to come to the county next weekend.

The festival officially launched as part of the Culture Night celebrations on Friday September 23, with the festival itself taking place between 6 October and 9 October.

A wide variety of events will take place celebrating some of the west’s best musicians, artists and poets.

Members of the Fermanagh Live festival committee ahead of this year's event

Gin and Jazz night

One of the standout events for many across the Fermanagh Live festival will be the Gin and Jazz night taking place at the Westville Hotel.

Northwest-based jazz quartet ‘Jazz Gazette’ will tune up for the night in association with the Boatyard Distillery in the hotel on Saturday October 8 at 9pm.

Hidden Cuilcagh Hike

Join Geopark Guide, Helen Carleton, to explore some of the best-kept secrets of Cuilcagh mountain such as Dry Valley. Hear about the true source of the mighty River Shannon and learn about the importance of the expansive blanket bog cloaking this huge swath of the Geopark and what is being done to protect it for future generations.

The hike will take place on Saturday 15 OCtober from 10am.

PGA EuroPro Tour at Lough Erne

Watch the professionals play this end of season event on the Nick Faldo designed golf course at the Lough Erne Resort.

It will be played across the 19 to 21 October, with five PGA EuroPro Tour members progressing to the next step and earn their Challenge Tour card after 15 gruelling competitions.

Beekeeping and Honey tasting

Join Geopark Guides , Kevin for a fascinating introduction to the world of bee keeping. This two-hour introduction is aimed at those who are interested in taking up the wonderful hobby of bee keeping - with the opportunity to try some of the end product as well.

The course will be at Belcoo Community Centre on 4 October and Enniskillen Castle on 22 October.

Scarecrow Fest

The National Trust Fermanagh have encouraged people to drop off their scarecrows at Florencecourt in the week leading up to Halloween.

The visitor centre will be open on 26 and 27 October for keen scarecrow enthusiasts to drop off their displays for the event on 28 October.

The scarecrow fest at Florencecourt (Image: National Trust Fermanagh)

Spooktacular 5K

Get your heart racing with the spookiest run in town! This Halloween 5K event is open to all and people have been encouraged to dress up for the road race.

It will take place on 28 October and returns after a two year break due to the pandemic.

Flying Witches and Wizards workshop

For young children aged between 4 and 9, they are encouraged to head to the Ardhowen Theatre on Saturday 22 October for some Halloween spooky fun

Local arts facilitator Genevieve Murphy will help the kids brew and create magical arts and crafts displays.

Dark Skies at Lough Navar

Join well-known amateur astronomer Terry Moseley, of the Irish Astronomical Association on a Dark Sky Safari in the pristine dark skies of Lough Navar Forest

Well away from any artificial ‘light pollution’, see and learn about the best-known constellations, such as Orion the Mighty Hunter, Taurus the Bull, Gemini the Twins, and Ursa Major the Great Bear, containing the well-known Plough, and how to find the North Star.

The event will take place on Saturday 29 October at 7.30pm.