Ministers visit Fermanagh country park

Environment Minister Arlene Foster and Tourism Minister Nigel Dodds today visited the recently upgraded Castle Archdale Country Park, one of County Fermanagh’s top visitor attractions.

Owned and managed by the DOE Environment and Heritage Service, Castle Archdale Park has much to interest the naturalist and historian – as well as the casual visitor. Its status as a Country Park has ensured that the outstanding landscape on the shores of Lough Erne is sensitively managed and enjoyed by its many visitors. Its large caravan site and a 60-berth marina have proved very popular with visitors and have helped support the local tourism economy.

During their visit, the ministers saw how the courtyard had been upgraded, re-painted and made compliant with disability discrimination legislation and listened to the newly installed chiming clock.

Arlene Foster commented: “With around 110,000 visitors each year, Castle Archdale is already one of the most popular places to visit in Fermanagh. The recent improvements to the courtyard add to its interests and charm and will encourage people to stay longer in this beautiful environment.”

Nigel Dodds said: “Northern Ireland attracted more than two million visitors in 2007 and visitors continue to spend more while they are here. Fermanagh, with its impressive lakes and parklands, plays a central role in making Northern Ireland such an attractive destination. These improvements at Castle Archdale will certainly add to the tourism offering in the area and I congratulate everyone involved.”

Notes to Editors:

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