Lisnarick: Where old meets new and the past meets progress

Contemporary houses, a modern restaurant and a new filling station immediately meet the eye; but upon closer inspection, nods to a rich heritage also come into focus.

Clues are everywhere you look. The village green circled by trees dating back a century; the land keeper's house, constructed in the 1800s; the nearby ruins of old Castle Archdale.

Heritage and history run through the village's veins; but so too does a mentality of progress, community and development.

No visit to Lisnarick would be complete without a walk across the village green. Indeed, it's hard to miss this focal point, with imposing horse chestnut and sycamore trees lining the triangular space.

The green remains a fabulous asset to the village, and in the summer provides a place for the local community to meet, unwind and relax. In the winter, the trees are adorned with Christmas lights.

Lisnarick man, Stephen Lawn, said such a feature is rare in Northern Ireland, and that to his knowledge, only one other example exists in NI.

Growing up, he fondly recalls playing football on the green, which was also the scene of the occasional 'fair days' that would have rolled into Lisnarick.

"I remember growing up playing football on the green, building forts, and having the craic," Mr. Lawn said.

"It was, and still is, a place for the village to meet. It's always been at the heart of the place."

A lifelong Lisnarick man, Mr. Lawn said he has witnessed many changes over the years.

"I have lived here all my life, and the main change I've seen would be the amount of houses going up," he explained.

"When I was a cub, it was just the triangular green with houses around it, but many more have been built since.

"Of course, the history of this place stretches back much farther than that, and Lisnarick was originally linked to the plantation in the 1600s, and the Archdale Estate.

"The Land Steward's House can be seen in the centre, opposite the green. It's a beautiful old building."

In addition to a rich history, Lisnarick also boasts an active community association, which organises and promotes a range of cross-community events and initiatives.

Numerous people from across the community are involved, including Mr. Lawn and fellow Lisnarick man, Norman Noble.

Having lived in Lisnarick for some 40 years, Mr. Noble spoke of the many positive things going on in his home village. 

"If I had to describe Lisnarick, it would be that it's a good community," Mr. Noble said. "I have been here for the best part of 40 years, and it's always improving all the time.

"It's a popular residential area, and not too many places change hands. It's a place where people want to stay."

He continued: "It was always a tourist area, even right back to when tourism in NI wasn't attractive. It has always had that tourist following."

Undoubtedly, tourists are well catered for in Lisnarick, and this has been thanks in no small part to the efforts of the community.

Less than two years ago, Lisnarick Community Development was instrumental in setting up the 'Pathway to the Lough', which links the village with Castle Archdale Forest Park and nearby Lough Erne.

The historical link between Lisnarick and Castle Archdale has always been there; now there is a physical one.

"The walkway was a huge success and has been a major hit with the community", Mr. Lawn said.

"It was officially opened in May, 2022, and was the culmination of six years' working and planning from the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"It gives young and old the chance to get out into nature, and it has been used by primary schools for environmental nature trial activities, as well as things like lantern walks at Hallowe'en. It's something we are very proud of here!"

In many ways, the walkway project encapsulates the spirit of Lisnarick, where things don't stand still for too long and its residents are always looking to the future.

This future-focused mentality has also filtered into the local business community.

In Spring, 2014, Raymond Knox set out to realise his vision of providing first-class food and hospitality within his home village, and in the process Tullana on the Green was born.

In the years since, the popular restaurant has gone from strength to strength.

"We are here now maybe 11 years, and it has been a remarkable journey," said Mr. Knox.

"I have been in the catering business since the age of 14, where I started off washing dishes. It was always my dream to open my own restaurant.

"Many people will previously know the restaurant as 'The Golden Pheasant', but I felt a more fitting name incorporated the nearby village green, and the townland of Tullana."

Mr. Knox continued: "Things have truly gone from strength to strength, and we get so much support from the local people of Lisnarick.

"It also helps that we are near three caravan parks and several AirBnBs nearby. Tourism is big here, and it's commonplace to cater to Chinese and American tourists throughout the summer.

"Castle Archdale is a major draw for people, but in my opinion it should be bigger than what it is. The natural beauty we have here is unmatched!"

A stone's throw from Tullana on the Green sits the local post office, which is operated from the home of George and Ruth Armstrong.

The post office has long provided a valuable service to the local community, especially for those who have no way of getting into bigger nearby towns like Irvinestown and Enniskillen.

"I took over the post office branch in 2019, and prior to that it was run by my late mum," Mrs. Armstrong said.

"It's a very busy place, and we get several customers on a typical day. Monday is particularly busy, especially with those who have businesses.

"It's a great resource for local people, and even in today's modern age, having a local post office is very important."

Beaming with pride about the village she calls home, Mrs. Armstrong added: "I love it here; it's a lovely community, and everybody helps each other.

"We have a shop, a restaurant and post office - everything you could want. It's close to Castle Archdale and nature walks, which is an added bonus!"

Mrs. Armstrong's husband, George, has a similarly positive outlook.

"It's a good, quiet, friendly, sleepy wee village," Mr. Armstrong said. "I have lived in Lisnarick my whole life, and it's a grand spot. Friendly people, and good food at the Tullana - you couldn't beat it!

"As with anywhere, the place has changed a lot over the years. More houses, and a lot of characters from those [old] days are now dead and gone, but that's the way it goes.

"Lisnarick is much bigger now. There are actually people about now that I wouldn't know. But the sense of community and overall friendliness has remained the same."

Similarly to the local post office, the nearby Castle Archdale Filling Station caters to the ever-growing local community.

The store was founded by husband and wife team, John and Catherine Maguire, who were pleasantly surprised to find a yearly influx of tourists coming to take in the natural mecca of the former Archdale Estate.

Mr. Maguire, who is a retired Managing Director of Belleek Pottery, explained: "We have been open for nine years in May, and what started as a small store evolved into a very busy one.

"There had been a shop here for years, but unfortunately it had closed, so we are fortunate to have purchased it. It's been a phenomenal journey!

"The local community have supported us every step of the way, and without them, we wouldn't be here.

"Of course, our staff are also important, and play an essential part in the continued growth of the business."

Mr. Maguire continued: "We also have a very strong passing trade business, which has been greatly helped by tourism.

"From St. Patrick's weekend onward, it will be lovely to see so many visitors coming into Lisnarick and the surrounding area to see what we have to offer here."

Undoubtedly, the imminent summer months will see Lisnarick at its best, when tourists around the world descend to soak up the area's abundant natural beauty.

While there, they will discover a place where old meets new, where the past meets progress; a place where the past is rich, and the future is bright.