THE unique Lakeland Canoe Centre on Castle Island will be the new focus for visitors on activity holidays with a difference.

The £550,000 centre, which should be in operation by spring next year, is to be officially opened in a few days.

An attractive development aimed at holidaymakers in Fermanagh, it has accommodation for 24 overnight visitors, who will have the full support of guides and instructors.

It is thought the centre, built by Fermanagh District Council, and already marketed throughout Britain and Europe, will be privatised under the compulsory competitive tendering process.

The centre is part of an overall plan to increase activity on Lough Erne.

On the new canoe trail, which stretches for more than 50 miles of waterway with several stopover points, visitors will be able to choose their own activity programmes. The centre, finished externally in seasoned redwood, is considered the largest specialist canoeing centre in Europe. Rodney Connor, Fermanagh Council’s Director of Recreation, is delighted with the island centre.

“It is beautiful and turned out beyond our expectations,” he said.

Already plans are well on with the next important stage of the development – the canoe trail – with visitors in theory able to canoe from Belleek to Limerick on the Erne Shannon/Link.