The gardens at Lisgoole Abbey, Enniskillen will be open to the public this Saturday 4th July from 11am – 4pm and on Sunday 5th July from 2pm – 5pm to raise funds for the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF).

Visitors can enjoy Lisgoole's rich history. The first monastery was built on the site as early as the 6th century.

Over the years it became a prominent ecclesiastical site but has been privately owned since the 19th century.

Sylvia Lucy, Development Officer, urged people not to miss the chance to enjoy the spectacular private gardens at Lisgoole in their summer glory.

"There is a lot to explore throughout the grounds, including many special features such as the Rose Garden, originally developed in 1905 and replanted with 400 new roses in 1982; the Walled Garden which contains many rare and unusual trees and shrubs, and the Farm Museum which contains old farm machinery and gardening equipment used on the estate in the past."

On behalf of the Foundation, Sylvia thanked everyone involved in organising the open days and to Craigville Garden Centre, the sponsors of the event.

Admission for adults costs £5 and children enter for free. Strictly no dogs allowed. All proceeds from the Open Day will be donated to the Ulster Cancer Foundation.

This local charity is committed to tackling cancer in Northern Ireland by supporting cancer research, providing services for cancer patients and their families and by educating people on how they can reduce their risk of the disease.

All funds raised for UCF are spent locally to help and support people with cancer in Northern Ireland.

To get to Lisgoole Abbey - which, ironically, can be seen from the Killyhevlin Hotel - go out the Sligo Road and head for Belnaleck.

The gates to the Abbey grounds are about a mile from Belnaleck, on the left. The entrance point will be signposted.