Enniskillen Tourist Attractions
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The A 46 runs along the west side of Lough Earne to Enniskillen (pop. 12,500), situated between the two loughs, which are here connected by the River Erne. This lively holiday resort has a good number of old mansions, as well as some delightful parkland scenery, particularly Florence Court and its grounds, the seat of the Counts of Enniskillen, and Castlecoole, a mansion built in the Palladian style by James Wyatt in 1796. Its favorable position on the old trading route between Ulster and Connaught was originally the reason for the choice of Enniskillen as seat of the Maguires, the chieftains of Fermanagh, who had the lough guarded by a fleet of sometimes as many as 1,500 boats. Two other buildings worth seeing are the Anglican Cathedral (17th/18th C.), in which hang the banners of the former royal regiment, and Portora Royal School.
Florence Court
Florence Court is one of the most important houses in Ulster. It was built in the middle of the 18th C by John Cole, father of the first earl of Enniskillen. The house, now owned by the National Trust, features Roccoco plasterwork, pleasure grounds with an ice house, a water powered saw mill, Irish furniture and a walled garden. Excellent views over the nearby mountains.
Florence Court Forest Park
Florencecourt Forest Park contains the original Irish Yew. Oak trees were planted nearly two centuries ago. Pleasant woodland trails and a walled garden are open to visitors until one hour before dusk.
Castle Coole
Castle Coole is an 18th C. neo-Classical house designed by James Wyatt. Any visit should take in the ornate State Bedroom, the Servants' Turnnel, the stables and the nature display in the Grand Yard. There are many landscaped areas surrounding the mansion which offer pleasant walks.
Forthill Park & Cole Monument
Forthill Park contains beautifully kept grounds including a steep hill with an imposing monument at the top. The structure was built in 1857 to commemorate Sir Galbraith Lowry-Cole, one of Wellington's generals. Visitors can climb the 108 steps to the top.
Tully Castle, Derrygonnelly, Northern Ireland
Derrygonnelly is a charming 1830s village. Its Tully Castle is a fortified house built by Sir John Hume in 1610. Thirty-one years later it was burnt by the Maguires. A herb garden recreates 17th C. style.
Enniskillen Castle
Enniskillen Castle was once the stronghold of the Gaelic chieftains. Today it house permanent displays on the Maguires, the Fermanagh people and landscape, and also the regimental museum of the Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Fifth Dragoon Guards.
Inniskilling Museum
A visit to the County Museum in Enniskillen Castle gives a good overview of the historical development of the area.
Lisbellaw - Carrothers Family Heritage Museum
West of the town of Lisbellaw can be found exhibits of the collection of the Carrothers family of Lisbellaw. They include: birds' eggs, fossils, bottles, newspapers, and letters from WWI.
Lisnaskea, Northern Ireland
The town of Lisnaskea (pop. 2,450) has a main street which is crowded with pubs. Castle Balfour was built in about 1618 by Sir James Balfour. It remained occupied until the early 19th C.
Monea Castle
Monea Castle was a plantation castle built by Malcolm Hamilton in about 1618. A fire struck the building in 1750 and it has since been abandoned.
Portora Royal School
Portora Royal School in Enniskillen was founded at the beginning of the 16th C. by Charles I. Former pupils of the school include Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett.
Roslea Heritage Centre
Roslea Heritage Centre contains an 1874 schoolhouse, traditional farming tools, local crafts and a genealogy service.
Irvinestown, Northern Ireland
Irvinestown is between Cookstown and Enniskillen.
Castle Archdale Country Park
At Castle Archdale Country Park visitors can see natural history exhibits, old farm machinery, and a WWII display featuring the Battle of the Atlantic. For the energetic there are hiking paths, cycle and boat rentals, and pony trekking.From the marina ferries leave for White Island.
