Arch House: More than just a B&B Stay

B&B Ireland's B&B of the Month is Arch House Arch House, Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh

If you asked me to describe how I feel about Arch House, I would have to say it's my vocation in life. I don’t look on it as a business or a job, I just love what I do and enjoy meeting my guests and making their holiday more than just a B&B stay.

How it all began

Back in the day, I never dreamed that I would run my own bed and breakfast. Starting out in my career path, cooking was my passion. So, at sixteen, I went to catering school for three years, and then catered in a university for a couple of years before emigrating to Canada. There, I worked in an Italian restaurant for 2 years. I loved every minute of it, learned Italian and really found my enthusiasm for wonderful food. But I did miss Ireland, so I returned home with great intentions.

A unique experience

Back in Ireland, I met my husband and we went on to have three children. I wanted to raise them, but I still wanted to carry on my love of cooking. So really, this is how our home, Arch House, became a bed and breakfast. I could stay at home, yet welcome and look after guests which I love to do. After two years we extended, to accommodate for how popular our B&B had become. I do feel our home is unique in that, not only do we provide breakfast for our guests, but if wanted, an extensive evening menu. I’ve created a wonderful restaurant experience within my home. We are also a working farm, so we use our own meats, vegetables and eggs. I love my vegetable garden and grow an array of produce. I make my own jams, marmalade and chutneys, so if you enjoy them, you can purchase a pot or two to take home with you.

The dining room of Arch House, B&B Ireland's B&B of the Month

On the farm

We joined B&B Ireland in 2000 and I really enjoy welcoming all the international guests that come to stay. We take working the farm for granted, but realised how much our guests enjoyed the farm experience, so we provide tours of the farm and we have a wonderful farm walk that is about 0.8km long where you get to see all the animals and beautiful surroundings.

Arch House is B&B Ireland's B&B of the Month

Culinary Delights

As I said, I love to cook, so there’ll be no shortage of fine dining when you stay at Arch House. On the menu, we have dishes such as Ribeye steak, homemade lasagne and baked salmon with lemon and butter to name a few. My home-made wild garlic pesto is a great accompaniment. My breakfast is also a delight, with an excellent choice of foods including the traditional fry, smoked buttered kippers poached in lemon and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

Arch House Breakfast Menu

Arch House is a relaxing haven, where we hope our guests will enjoy our stylish accommodation, excellent cuisine, and make lasting memories until they return again. We are a great base for exploring Enniskillen and will be delighted to recommend all the attractions that you should visit. We have the famous Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail and Florencecourt Castle on our doorstep, which are three magical experiences.

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail close to Arch House B&B, Fermanagh

I would like to share with you a review from a guest who stayed with me recently:

The Houstons - We stayed 2 nights and would have loved to stay longer. Rosemary and Geoffrey are wonderful hosts. The rooms were comfortable, spacious and quiet. We enjoyed the homemade coconut macaroons in our room. The food was wonderful, we ate breakfast and dinner with them. The directions to get to the b and b were easy to follow and signs well posted on the road. The area is beautiful, we enjoyed Marble Arch and the Cuilcagh Scenic Drive. We highly recommend and hope to come back someday.