Ardhowen Theatre — A lakeside theatre, cafe and studio on the edge of Enniskillen, with shows the whole family can book.
Admission: Theatre venue, not a free walk-in gallery; entry is by ticket to shows and events.
Tickets: Booked online or through the box office; prices vary by show, so check the Ardhowen's listings.
For families: Children's theatre, puppet shows, seasonal family shows, plus exhibitions and workshops through the year.
Opening: Box office Mon to Sat 10am to 4pm, later on performance nights; closed Sun.
Café: Ardhowen Cafe, Mon to Sat 10am to 4pm (subject to the theatre schedule), with a bar for evening performances.
Best for: Varies by show; each listing carries its own age guidance.
Plan your visit
What's on for families
The Ardhowen runs a mixed year-round programme, and a good chunk of it works for families. Expect touring children's theatre, puppet shows and seasonal family events, alongside music, comedy, dance and drama for older kids and grown-ups. The venue also hosts exhibitions and workshops, so there's more than just the stage. Programming changes through the year, with bigger family shows around the holidays. Check the Ardhowen's own listings for current dates, ages and prices before you go.
Lakeside theatreFamily showsCafe and barExhibitionsOn-site parkingBook ahead
Good to know before you go:
Venues like this run year-round seasons of theatre, music, exhibitions, family shows and workshops, with bigger family productions around the holidays. Check the Ardhowen's own listings for current dates, ages and prices.
Before you set off
What to bring
🎟️Your bookingShows and big exhibitions sell out — book ahead where you can.
💷A bit of pocket moneyFor the café, the shop or a show programme.
🧒An eye on the age guidanceSome shows and galleries suit certain ages best — check first.
📱The what’s-on pageThe programme changes all the time — see what is on the day you go.
Good to know
Everything before you go
Admission
Theatre venue, not a free walk-in gallery; entry is by ticket to shows and events
Tickets
Booked online or through the box office; prices vary by show, so check the Ardhowen's listings
Family programming
Children's theatre, puppet shows, seasonal family shows, plus exhibitions and workshops through the year
Best for ages
Varies by show; each listing carries its own age guidance
Opening
Box office Mon to Sat 10am to 4pm, later on performance nights; closed Sun
Cafe
Ardhowen Cafe, Mon to Sat 10am to 4pm (subject to the theatre schedule), with a bar for evening performances
Toilets
Yes, on site, with step-free access to the main public areas
Parking
On-site parking; limited Blue Badge spaces bookable via the box office
Accessibility
Step-free to auditorium, box office, restaurant and bar; up to three wheelchair spaces in Row C; hearing loop (best in Rows C to F); companion ticket scheme
How long to allow
Most shows run 1 to 2 hours; allow extra for the cafe and parking
Theatre venue, not a free walk-in gallery; entry is by ticket to shows and events
How do I get tickets?
Booked online or through the box office; prices vary by show, so check the Ardhowen's listings
Is there anything for kids?
Children's theatre, puppet shows, seasonal family shows, plus exhibitions and workshops through the year
When is it open?
Box office Mon to Sat 10am to 4pm, later on performance nights; closed Sun
Is there a café?
Ardhowen Cafe, Mon to Sat 10am to 4pm (subject to the theatre schedule), with a bar for evening performances
Getting there
Ardhowen Theatre is at Ardhowen Theatre, 97 Dublin Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 6FZ. On-site parking; limited Blue Badge spaces bookable via the box office. Tap below for directions.
The Ardhowen opened in 1986 on the Dublin Road just outside Enniskillen, set above the shore of Lough Erne. It's run by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council as the area's main theatre and arts centre.
The building holds a 284-seat auditorium, a dance studio, and a cafe and bar that look out over the water. Across the year it presents drama, music, opera, ballet, dance, jazz, comedy, puppets, children's shows and traditional Irish entertainment, along with exhibitions and workshops.