Carrickreagh Viewpoint

Carrickreagh, on the Lough Shore Road at the edge of Ely Lodge Forest, is one of the best drone launch points in Fermanagh, a raised viewpoint that looks out over the island-studded expanse of Lower Lough Erne. From the roadside layby and grassy bank the ground already gives you elevation, and lifting off adds a sweeping panorama of the lake, its wooded drumlin islands, the distant Cliffs of Magho escarpment and the patchwork of lakeland farms. A short path drops down through the forest to the Carrickreagh jetty on the shore, giving a second, water-level launch option. Because it is a public viewpoint, take-off is straightforward, but it sits on Forest Service land at the treeline, so keep clear of the tall conifers on lift-off and landing. The lough is a protected SPA, so in winter keep well away from wildfowl rafts on the water. Wind comes unobstructed across the open lough and can be deceptively strong on the exposed bank, so watch your margins over the water. There is no controlled airspace, though the small St Angelo airfield lies a few kilometres south. Golden evening light across the islands is the classic Fermanagh shot, and mist rising off the lake at dawn is nearly as good.