A major new exhibition, Lough Erne Pilgrim Way, was launched at Enniskillen Castle on Thursday, July 20 by the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly (SF).

The guest speaker on the evening was a former curator of Fermanagh County Museum, Helen Lanigan Wood, with guests also being entertained by musician, Gabriel McArdle, with songs from his new debut solo album, 'The Fermanagh Blackbird'.

The Lough Erne Pilgrim Way exhibition highlights the history of one of the most important parts of Fermanagh’s heritage – Lough Erne.

From the Medieval era onwards, pilgrims from across Europe have journeyed through Lough Erne on their way to the ancient pilgrimage site of St. Patrick’s Purgatory in Lough Derg, Co. Donegal.

Many of the islands in Lough Erne were important early Christian monastic sites with thriving communities, providing sanctuary and hospitality for weary pilgrims on their way.

Today, people continue to find inspiration and respite in the beauty and tranquillity of the Fermanagh Lakelands.

The remains of the area’s earlier monastic past can still be discovered in the landscape, from the unique and intriguing carved stone figures on Boa Island, White Island and in Killadeas Graveyard, to the imposing 12th Century Round Tower on Devenish Island – an important monastic site founded in the 6th Century by St. Molaise.

The exhibition portrays the heritage of the Lough Erne Pilgrim Way through a series of replica carved stone sculptures, beautifully restored by artist Dara Hand.

The rich history is highlighted through artefacts and photographs, including a series of powerful images of Lough Derg by photographer, Anne Cassidy.

Over the centuries, poets, artists, chieftains, saints and pilgrims have taken inspiration from the Fermanagh Lakelands and this exhibition highlights why the landscape and heritage of Lough Erne attracts visitors from across the globe.

It also continues to be treasured by communities locally and highlights the importance of careful conservation and safeguarding of the remaining heritage for future generations to come.

The Lough Erne Pilgrim Way exhibition is part of a wider programme of events, itineraries, online resources, community engagement, access improvements and conservation initiatives.

Organisations, communities and businesses are working together to develop new opportunities to enjoy, explore and protect Fermanagh’s internationally important early Christian monastic heritage.

The overall Lough Erne Pilgrim Way project is being delivered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Waterways Ireland and the Department for Communities' Historic Environment Division.

The exhibition is currently available to view at Enniskillen Castle until September 17.