Most recently the Bees Knees and Folk Espresso and Boulangerie cafes have added to the offering available in Enniskillen. Ruby’s cafe, previously situated above Eason has also moved into new premises on Townhall Street, replacing The Barn known well locally for its Tickety Moo ice cream. 

Mark Edwards of Enniskillen Taste Experience remarked that any business which adds to the hospitality offering in Enniskillen is to be welcomed. 

“When you look at the bigger picture in terms of hospitality, anything that is bringing people into the town is positive. The coffee shops bring footfall in.”

Mark added that a few venues now open on a Sunday morning when the town is more relaxed. “This gives people an option or reason to come into town earlier before the shops open and this is positive. Getting people into town is the most important thing.” 

Through the Enniskillen Taste Experience Mark guides visitors around Enniskillen stopping at a number of family run cafes and shops. He remarked, “For visitors not used to the town they sometimes don’t realise just how good the service and providers are on the island of Enniskillen. You would encourage any street holder to open up a new shop or cafe.”

The increase in cafes in Enniskillen is reflective of changing trends, according to Cllr Paul Blake. 

Cllr Blake said, “Peoples tastes are changing. If people come in to town and are able to have a coffee in the town centre that is what we want to encourage. It is great to see new tastes and varieties come into the town centre.”

The cafe offering in Enniskillen encourages people to ‘spend a while longer’ in the town. Cllr Blake added that he believes cafes compliment the retail offering here. 

“I think the two go hand in hand. When people are coming into Enniskillen they like to have the opportunity to sit back and relax with a coffee after shopping, especially approaching the busy season of Christmas.”