Belleek

Belleek is a village located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, situated on the northern shore of Lough Erne. It is famously known for the Belleek Pottery, established in 1857 by John Caldwell Bloomfield. The pottery is renowned for its parian porcelain, characterized by its delicate, translucent finish and often adorned with intricate hand-painted designs and applied ornaments such as shamrocks and marine life.

The village itself is a picturesque settlement with a strong connection to the Erne River system. The Belleek Pottery complex is a major tourist attraction, offering factory tours, a visitor center, and a retail outlet. The history of Belleek is closely intertwined with the development of the pottery, which has been a significant employer and cultural touchstone for the area for over a century and a half. The landscape surrounding Belleek is typical of rural Ireland, with rolling hills and the expansive waters of Lough Erne providing a scenic backdrop. The economy of the village is largely supported by tourism and the continued production from the renowned pottery works.