Ely Lodge forest comprises 250 hectares of woodland, along the shores of Lower Lough Erne and rises to the Carrickreagh viewpoint. The forest contains a mixture of coniferous and broadleaved trees with a large proportion of mature European larch, and there are multiple waymarked trails running through it, along with fishing stands and a large jetty.
Until 1870, Ely Castle sat on the southern shore of Lower Lough Erne. At this time, the castle was in danger of collapsing and was demolished. However the stable block remained, and was converted and extended to become Ely Lodge - which is itself the former Ulster seat of the 5th Duke and Duchess of Westminster.
During WW2, Ely Lodge was home to Infantry Divisions of the United States Army, who were stationed here from 1942 until June 1944.
