£12 Million Carrybridge Hotel Investment Brings New Era of Hospitality to Lough Erne
The Crawford family has announced a landmark £12 million investment in a brand‑new 60‑bedroom Carrybridge Hotel, overlooking Carrybridge Moorings with breathtaking views across Upper Lough Erne. Delivered in two phases, this major development represents one of the most significant commitments to hospitality and tourism in Fermanagh in recent years.
The new Carrybridge Hotel will feature a 150‑seater restaurant and bar alongside two stylish private dining rooms, offering a high‑quality lakeside destination for locals, visitors and waterway travellers alike.
A hotel first opened at Carrybridge during the 1960s, and the Crawford family say they are proud to revive and reimagine this iconic location for a new era.
“We are excited to be creating a new story at Carrybridge,” the family said. “We have great confidence that what we are bringing to the market will not only contribute but enhance the local hotel offering in Fermanagh for a global audience.”
“We are equally delighted that local and renowned contractor Tracey Brothers will be completing this development on our behalf. We have, where possible, sought the outstanding skills here locally in Fermanagh and surrounding areas to support this project in bringing back to life the area of Carrybridge that holds many good memories for local generations, with many more to be made.”
In addition to the use of local contractors helping to reduce the carbon footprint during the construction phase, the development will benefit from other sustainable attributes including a sustainable drainage system (SuDS), a non-mains sewage system and incorporated on-site mains water treatment plant, rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation solar panels to reducing dependency on carbon-intensive grid supply, and a heat recovery ventilation system. External landscaping will provide a biodiversity net gain with extensive tree and hedge planting.
This major investment further reinforces the Crawford family’s strong and growing contribution to Fermanagh’s tourism landscape. Their recent purchase and transformation of Belle Isle Castle and Estate has truly established the historic estate as one of Ireland’s most unique and award‑winning venues for luxury weddings, corporate events, private retreats and executive meetings.
With the re‑establishment of a hotel at Carrybridge, alongside the distinctive Belle Isle Castle & Estate and the ever‑popular Carrybridge Marina, the Crawford family is reinforcing its commitment to elevating Fermanagh’s hospitality offering and positioning the region as a world‑class destination.
“The development of Carrybridge reflects our long‑term belief in Fermanagh’s potential as one of Ireland’s leading tourism destinations, providing guests an abundance of space to relax in the tranquil surroundings of Carrybridge” continued the family, and with Fermanagh’s recent inclusion into Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands the timing of this development could not be more fitting.
In further exciting news and building upon the family’s commitment to hospitality within local area, and just a stone’s throw away from this development, the family intend to build a motor home park comprising of up to 20 pitches. “The park will offer essential amenities such as potable water, sanitary facilities, electrical and other service points” the family confirmed.
The new Carrybridge Hotel is expected to generate significant economic and employment benefits while enhancing the region’s appeal for leisure, business tourism and destination events.
Together, these landmark assets create a concentrated pocket of Fermanagh that brings together a collection of exceptional visitor experiences—establishing Carrybridge and its surrounds as a true micro‑destination within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Further updates—including opening dates for the Carrybridge Hotel and recruitment announcements—will be released in the months ahead.
Ronnie Crawford is the founder of RTD Crawford Ltd; established in 1978. Today, it is widely considered a market leader in timber milling and processing, whose headquarters are in Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh. Sons, Garreth and Mark entered the business and continue to grow production locally and in Belfast.
In 2024, the Crawford family purchased the 448-acre Belle Isle Castle & Estate incorporating a Grade B listed 17th century castle with 15 en-suite bedrooms and 15 additional courtyard apartments with 6.5 miles of private waterfront and ancient woodlands. The estate offers boat hire, fishing with guides, shooting, sailing and hiking trails. In August 2025, Belle Isle Estate expanded its facilities by installing a 500-square-metre pavilion, hosting private dining for up to 230 guests.
The Crawford family purchased the Carrybridge Hotel in 2020.
Awards and Accolades
Belle Isle Estate – Smaller/Intimate Wedding Venue of the Year, 2024 – Irish Hotel Awards
Belle Isle Estate – Lakeside Wedding Venue of the Year, 2025 – Irish Hotel Awards
Belle Isle Estate – Lakeside Wedding Venue of the Year, 2025 – Wedding Dates
