The perfect venue for weddings, celebrations and special occasions, Belle Isle Estate, which nestles magically on the shores of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, was recognised on the double at the 2025 Irish Hotel Awards, claiming the prestigious Waterside Wedding Venue of the Year award, while GM John O’Neill was named General Manager of the Year.
Celebrating the people and places shaping Ireland’s hospitality landscape – raising standards, inspiring pride and making sure the best don’t go unnoticed – the annual Irish Hotel Awards set the gold standard for excellence in Irish hospitality.
No stranger to success at this industry-leading awards ceremony, having been named as Intimate Wedding Venue of the Year in 2024, Belle Isle Estate and Private Island was to the fore again this year when receiving two awards at the 2025 gala awards night in Johnstown House Estate, County Meath, on Monday October 20th.
The one-of-a-kind County Fermanagh venue collected the coveted Waterside Wedding Venue of the Year accolade, much to the obvious delight of General Manager John O’Neill, who was also selected by the judges as the General Manager of the Year: “We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive these awards, particularly in light of the vision, hard work and investment of the new owners who purchased the property only twelve months earlier, in October, 2024.
“The Crawford family from Lisbellaw , who are very well-known and successful in the timber industry, have spent the last twelve months substantially improving and enhancing the Estate, elevating it to its status as the premier wedding venue on the island. The awards also reflect the brilliant efforts of our wonderful team.
“The Estate has been rejuvenated by significant investments and enhancements over the past year, with extensive works having been carried out inside the Castle as well as the grounds. The owners are already embarking on the next chapter, with Phase Two of the development of the associated Carrybridge venue due to commence in January.”
Nestled in the heart of Fermanagh, Belle Isle Estate offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, historic charm and luxurious accommodation. The unique character of Belle Isle, nurtured by the Crawford family’s commitment, ensures an exceptional wedding experience for every guest.
Belle Isle Estate is set within 448 acres of land which includes a 17th-century Grade B+ listed castle, along with 17 cottages and apartments as well as expansive manicured gardens, offering a rare combination of historical heritage and lifestyle amenities, attracting local, national and international guests to a truly unique and spellbinding venue.
Located on the northern tip of island-dotted Upper Lough Erne, Belle Isle Estate incorporates some 6.5 miles of waterfront and four private islands.
At the spectacular Belle Isle Estate Castle Wedding Venue, a variety of ceremony locations and reception options is offered, both inside the castle and out on our beautiful estate grounds. Whether the bride and groom choose the impressive Grand Hall inside the castle, the romantic Terrace with panoramic views, or the Sunken Garden for an intimate, outdoor ceremony, the Belle Isle Estate team will help design a wedding day that’s unique and unforgettable.
Belle Isle Estate know that the food at a wedding is just as important as the setting. That’s why they’re proud to partner with Saddlers of Enniskillen, the award-winning catering team known for their excellence in hospitality. With over 50 years’ experience in the industry, including their Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Award for ‘Best Casual Dining Restaurant & Bar’, Saddlers bring the highest level of quality and service to every occasion.
Set on a private 400+-acre estate designated as a Special Area of Conservation, a stay at Belle Isle provides the perfect setting for a truly memorable break. Whether the guest is seeking an unforgettable private stay in the grand castle, a relaxing retreat in one of the cosy cottages, coach houses or self-catering courtyard, Belle Isle Estate has the perfect option to suit every desire.
The ideal location for weddings, private celebrations, family gatherings or corporate events, Belle Isle Estate is highly versatile. When you book a stay on the estate, you know you are stepping into a very special place – an intimate island with a unique centuries-old history. Boasting a fascinating history that spans centuries, Belle Isle Estate is the location where the Annals of Ulster were written, with a heritage dating back to before the 15th century.
“Being named as Waterside Wedding Venue of the Year is down to the improvements and enhancements of the previous twelve months as well as the dedication of our sales team in the Estate, who do a magnificent job in selling the venue and providing support on the day to those who book the property for their event or wedding day,” John continues.
Previously a multiple award winner during his stints as General Manager of the nearby Manor House Country Hotel and the Lough Erne Resort when it hosted the G8 summit in June, 2013, John is starting into his fourth year at the historic and ultra-progressive Belle Isle Estate.
“We are still in Phase One of the complete redevelopment and transformation of the Estate and the Crawfords have huge plans for the future,” he reveals. “At present, the venue can sleep 90 people but there are plans to further improve the courtyard cottages and coach houses on the Estate over the winter and early part of next year.
“Phase Two is to develop our Carrybridge site, which is five minutes away and was already owned by the Crawfords before they bought Belle Isle. Once that is redeveloped and expanded, it will create a hub on Upper Lough Erne between two properties connected by both land and water.
“When the two properties are upgraded, developed and fully-integrated, we’ll be able to sleep between 150-160 guests, which will make us a very unique Estate property, as most other estates have the venue but not the accommodation capacity.”
As an all-around events venue, Belle Isle Estate also caters for corporate and family events and is particularly popular with guests from the United States, many of whom return regularly to stay in the majestic surroundings of the Belle Isle Estate, Castle and Cottages for up to a week at a time.
“We are a very versatile venue and the self-catering accommodation on the Estate is available all year around for self-catering breaks. The last twelve months have been incredibly exciting here since the Crawford family took ownership of the Estate,” John concludes. “With their investment into enhancing and improving the venue, there are even more exciting times ahead for both the team here and our guests.”
Belle Isle Estate and Private Island,
Lisbellaw,
Enniskillen.
County Fermanagh.
Telephone: +44 (0) 28 6638 7231
Fax: +44 (0) 28 6638 7261
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Hotel & Tourism Magazine, Spring 2026, Vol 2 No 1
