Fermanagh

Enniskillen Castle and Museums

What is it?
An impressive castle which overlooks Lough Erne on the West Side of Enniskillen. The castle was first built on this site by Hugh Maguire in the 15th Century. Originally a Gaelic Maguire stronghold, the site developed as a military barracks in the 18th and 19th century and now houses the Regimental Museum of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. This popular family attraction includes Fermanagh County Museum with award winning displays on Fermanagh’s history, wildlife and landscape with audiovisual programmes and a rolling programme of special exhibitions.

Facilities
Picnic Area & Shop, disabled access and toilets.

How much?
Adult: £2.75, Child: £1.65, Family: £7.15

Where is it?
Located in the town of Enniskillen. Castle within easy walking distance of bus depot and shops.

When is it open?
Oct-Apr: Mon: 2pm - 5pm (Tue-Fri): 10am - 5pm Sat-Sun: Closed
May, Jun & Sept: Mon & Sat: 2pm - 5pm
Tue-Fri: 10am 5pm, Sun: Closed
Jul & Aug: Sat, (Sun & Mon) 2pm -5pm, (Tue-Fr) 10am - 5pm

Telephone: 028-6632 5000

Castle Coole

What is it?
It is a splendid neoclassical Palladian mansion, which was built in 1796. It was the family home of the Earls of Belmore. Its exterior is made of Portland stone that reflects the changing daylight, and its interior is endowed with delicate plaster work, exquisite woodwork, furnishings and a well stocked library. The Castle overlooks a lake, and has beautiful landscaped surrounding gardens, ideal for family walks.

Facilities
Tea-room & Shop closed at 5pm. Castle licensed for civil weddings, Historic landscape park, ideal for family walks

How much?
Adult £4.50, Child £2, Family £11. Groups £3.50, group visits outside normal hours £5.

Where is it?
1½ml SE of Enniskillen on Belfast-Enniskillen road (A4)

When is it open?
House - Admission by Guided Tour
1 Apr - 28 May 06 (Sat & Sun) 1pm - 6pm
2 Jun - 30 Jun 06 (Mon- Sun) 1pm - 6pm *Closed Thursday
1 Jul - 31 Aug 06 (Mon - Sun) 12pm -6pm
2 Sep - 30 Sep 06 (Sat & Sun) 1pm - 6pm

Grounds
1 Apr - 29 Oct 06 (Mon - Sun) 10am - 8pm
30 Oct - 31 May 07 (Mon - Sun) 10am - 4pm

Telephone: 028 6632 2690

Drumskinny Stone Circle

What is it?
It is an arrangement of 39 stones set in a circle and a small round cairn. The stone circle is supposed to be related to the seasons, moon, sun and religious practices. The site dates from the Bronze Age, 2250 BC. It is part of a complex of five in this immediate locality.

How much?
Admission Free.

Where is it?
13.5 km North of Irvinestown.

When is it open?
All year round.

Boa Island

What is it?
It is a small island situated in Lough Erne. At the west side of the island close to the ancient Caldragh cemetery, there are two figures made out of stone called the 'Janus Statues'. The two stones each have a face carved on both sides and they are reputed to be over 2000 years old.

How much?
Admission Free

Where is it?
Boa Island can be reached by car and is on the north shore of the Lough on the A47. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

When is it open?
All year round

Tully Castle

What is it?
It was a fortified home and bawn built by Sir John Hume until the Maguire clan burnt them out in 1641.

Facilities
Formal garden. Visitor centre

Where is it?
Located on the shore of Lough Erne, 3 miles N of Derrygonnelly
at the end of a lane way off the Belleek (A46) road. Out A46 Enniskillen-Belleek Road approx. 12 miles. Signposted for Tully Castle on right hand side.

When is it open?
July-Aug: (Wed-Sun) 10am-6pm.

How much?
Admission Free

Telephone: (028) 9054 3037.

Monea Castle

What is it?
A Castle with a Scottish look about, which was built in 1618 for Malcolm Hamilton. The Castle fell briefly into Irish hands in 1641, and was held by Gustavus Hamilton, governor of Enniskillen in 1688. It appears to have been burned in the 18th century and was abandoned.

Facilities
Formal garden. Visitor centre

Where is it?
Located on the shore of Lough Erne, 3 miles N of Derrygonnelly
at the end of a laneway off the Belleek (A46) road. Out A46 Enniskillen-Belleek Road approx. 12 miles. Signposted for Tully Castle on right hand side.

When is it open?
Access always. .

How much?
Admission Free