Fodor's Expert Review Blakes of the Hollow

Among the several relaxed and welcoming old pubs in Enniskillen's town center, the one with the most appeal is Blakes, a place hardly altered since it opened in 1887. Its name derives from the fact that the heart of the town lies in a slight hollow and the pub's landlord is named William Blake. Traditional music sessions are held on Friday night in the front bar, which is also the best place for local gossip and stories. If the druth—a local word for thirst—is on you, then it's worth trying the craft beer, Inishmacsaint, from an island in Lough Erne that reflects an ancient tradition established by monks 900 years ago; or you could try the exclusive Midleton Single Cask Irish Whiskey, 26 years in the making. Bottled exclusively for Blake's, it went on sale in 2019, although you can't buy it by the glass—only by the bottle—and for a cool £750. A cheaper option is the Midleton Very Rare 2018 produced with specially selected malt and grain whiskey and costing £15.50 a glass. The bar displays one of the doors from the Game of Thrones TV series filmed in parts of Northern Ireland. The door was salvaged from beech trees that came down in a storm in 2016 and were transformed into unique works of art. This one, Door 4, depicts House Targaryen's return to power. Lunch and dinner are served in the adjoining Café Merlot.