The Erne system in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, consists of two large lakes — Upper Lough Erne and Lower Lough Erne — connected by a short river section through the town of Enniskillen. The system flows from south to north, with Upper Lough Erne to the south and Lower Lough Erne to the north. The total canoe trail covers approximately 42 miles. Access to the water is free and no licence is required to paddle.

Upper Lough Erne is characterised by a maze of bays, narrow channels of slow-moving water, and innumerable islands and peninsulas, making it well-suited to beginners and families. Lower Lough Erne, known locally as the "broad lough," is a more open expanse of water that can become very rough in strong winds and is better suited to experienced paddlers. The Arney River, which flows west to east from Lough MacNean Lower into Upper Lough Erne, is faster-moving Grade 1 water. The River Erne section through Enniskillen has a small but manageable flow for most of the year, though this can increase significantly during periods of heavy rainfall, and conditions should be checked in advance. Paddlers should keep to the left bank when travelling downstream through Enniskillen to use the lock channel.

Several access points exist along the trail, including Castle Archdale Country Park (postcode BT94 1NB), which has a slipway, car parking, a café, and picnic facilities. Rossigh Bay offers a pontoon mooring and a camping site. Trory also provides water access and a wild camping area. Because many routes allow paddlers to start and finish from the same point, shuttles are generally not required, though local hire providers can assist with logistics.

Notable landmarks along the route include Devenish Island, with its 12th-century round tower standing 81 feet tall — a useful navigation marker — and its 6th-century monastic settlement founded by Saint Molaise. White Island features a 13th-century church ruin and seven enigmatic stone carvings. Crom Castle, a 19th-century estate, and the nearby Crichton Tower folly on Gad Island are also visible from the water. The area supports wildlife including pike and perch.

May through September offers the most favourable paddling conditions, with June and July providing the longest daylight hours and September typically seeing fewer visitors.