Visitors to Devenish Island are welcomed by the area's ambassadors.

The Devenish Island Ambassador programme, running until September 19, offers free guided tours to island visitors.

Managed by the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and backed by the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division, this initiative is in its third year.

 Councillor Elaine Brough and Paul Price at the launch of the programmeCouncillor Elaine Brough and Paul Price at the launch of the programme (Image: Fermanagh and Omagh District Council)

It aims to enrich the visitor experience and foster a stronger connection with the island.

Each ambassador is a resident passionate about Devenish Island, armed with knowledge of its history, flora, and fauna.

They provide personalised tours tailored to individual interests.

Margaret O'Reilly and David Hardcastle visiting from Yorkshire and looking for O'Reilly and McManus RootsMargaret O'Reilly and David Hardcastle visiting from Yorkshire and looking for O'Reilly and McManus Roots (Image: Fermanagh and Omagh District Council)

Devenish Island, located in Lower Lough Erne, is famed for its 6th-century Christian monastic site.

It features a well-preserved round tower, several church ruins, and picturesque views of the lake and countryside.

Vice-chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Elaine Brough, said: "Devenish Island is one of Fermanagh’s most iconic and historically rich sites and I am delighted that visitors to the island can now avail of this welcome ambassador programme and access complimentary guided tours.

"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to valuing and enriching our heritage and making accessible the rich, diverse, natural, built and cultural heritage of our district.

"This offering, supported by our partners, the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division, demonstrates how the council is actively working towards this."

Paul Price, director of the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division, said: "I am delighted that the Devenish Ambassador Scheme has successfully launched with an ambassador operating the visitor facilities on the island.

"Devenish Island is a truly special place and the Department for Communities is committed to preserving our historic sites and making them available to local and international tourists."

The initiative, open to all visitors from 11am to 6pm, requires no prior booking.

Toilet facilities are also available, opened by the ambassadors each morning.