Best castles around Cavantillycormick are located within the broader County Fermanagh region, Northern Ireland. This area is defined by its waterways, including the River Erne and Lough Erne, and a landscape rich in historical significance. The region features a variety of historic sites, from ancient strongholds to Plantation-era structures, set amidst wooded estates and parklands.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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The magnificent Enniskillen Castle is situated in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne. The castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive refurbishment took place so that the castle could be opened to the public. Today you can explore the castle grounds and learn about this landmarks rich history.
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Run past the beautiful Castle Coole, a magnificent 18th century manor house set in a gorgeous 1,200 acre wooded landscape park.
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The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
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Castle Coole is one of the most magnificent Neo-classical houses in Ireland set in a 1,200 acre (490 ha) wooded estate. Built in the 18th century, the grand mansion was home to the Earls of Belmore. The 7th Earl Belmore gave the manion to the National Trust in 1951. The house was originally constructed as a summer retreat and cost £57,000, the equivalent of around £20 million today. It is set amongst beautiful parklands dotted with oak, ash and beech trees. Some of the land is given to local farmers to graze their cattle and sheep. You can visit the mansion and its grounds for an insight of how life would once have been for its wealthy inhabitants and their staff. Entrance to the grounds costs £5 per adult.
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Built in the 16th century, Enniskillen Castle has many stories to tell – from Irish rebellions against English rule to sieges and protection from the threat of French invasion. In the 1950s, the castle was decommissioned as an army barracks and opened as a heritage centre. Today, you can visit the museum to learn about the region's history. The castle is open from 9.30am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) and from 11am - 5pm on weekends.
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Castle Coole is a late 18th century neoclassical mansion in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The house is situated on a 5 km² wooded estate. Unfortunately, I could not visit it, because it was already too late. The interior design and decor should be impressive.
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Once called Irvine Castle, hence the town of Irvinestown, it is now a ruin closed to urban explorers, including cctv. It was in use as late as WWII, when it was a military hospital, but it has since lost its roof and been overtaken by plant life.
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The region offers a diverse range of historical sites. You can visit traditional fortresses like Enniskillen Castle, which served as a Gaelic stronghold, or explore the ruins of 17th-century Plantation-era fortified houses such as Tully Castle and Monea Castle. Additionally, there's the opulent 18th-century neoclassical mansion, Castle Coole, offering a glimpse into Anglo-Irish aristocracy.
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Enniskillen Castle houses two museums with interactive displays. Castle Coole offers extensive parklands perfect for leisurely walks, and its tours include both grand rooms and servants' quarters, which can be engaging for older children. Tully Castle also features a recreated 17th-century garden.
Many castles in County Fermanagh are set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Castle Coole is surrounded by a 1,200-acre wooded estate with ancient trees and parkland. Crom Estate, home to Crom Castle, spans nearly 2,000 acres on Upper Lough Erne, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife spotting among ancient yew trees. Tully Castle is also located on the shores of Lower Lough Erne.
Yes, there are several cycling routes available. You can find options like the Derrygonnelly & Boho loop or the Kingfisher Cycle Trail. Shorter routes, such as the Enniskillen Castle – Blaney Caravan Park loop, are also popular. For more details on these and other cycling tours, visit the Cycling around Cavantillycormick guide.
Absolutely. You can explore trails like the Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle, or enjoy easy walks such as the Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Castle Coole. The Enniskillen Castle loop also offers a pleasant walking experience. For more hiking options, check out the Easy hikes around Cavantillycormick guide.
Enniskillen Castle is a 15th-century fortress, built around 1428 by Hugh 'the Hospitable' Maguire. It served as a significant Gaelic stronghold before becoming a Plantation-era garrison and later a military barracks. After being decommissioned in the 1950s, it underwent extensive refurbishment between 2007 and 2013 to become the heritage center and museum it is today.
Castle Coole is an exquisite late 18th-century neoclassical mansion. Visitors can tour the opulent state rooms and the fascinating servants' quarters, gaining insight into the grand lifestyle of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy. The mansion is set within a sprawling 1,200-acre wooded estate, perfect for scenic walks.
Crom Castle features both the ruins of the 17th-century Old Crom Castle and the 19th-century New Crom Castle. While the New Crom Castle is a private residence, the National Trust-managed Crom Estate is open to visitors. It's a significant conservation area with ancient yew trees and abundant wildlife. You can explore the old castle ruins and enjoy activities like boating and fishing on Upper Lough Erne. For more information on private stays, you can visit celticcastles.com.
Tully Castle is a 17th-century fortified house and bawn built in 1612. It's a poignant historical monument, having been burned during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. As a state-care monument, its ruins provide valuable insights into Plantation-era architecture and the turbulent history of 17th-century Ireland. There's also a recreated 17th-century-style garden and a visitor's center.
Yes, Monea Castle is a free-to-visit state-care monument. This 17th-century Plantation castle, featuring a distinctive Scottish-style tower house and bawn, offers an accessible example of Fermanagh's historical landscape. While it has fewer visitor facilities than larger sites, its well-preserved ruins provide a direct connection to the past.
Visitors appreciate the rich history and diverse architectural styles, from ancient strongholds to neoclassical mansions. The integration of these sites with stunning natural landscapes, particularly the loughs and wooded estates, is also highly valued. Many enjoy the opportunity to explore both the historical buildings and the surrounding parklands.
Yes, you can explore several ruins. Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is a ruin that served as a military hospital during WWII. The Crom Estate also features the evocative ruins of the 17th-century Old Crom Castle. Tully Castle and Monea Castle are also significant ruined fortified houses from the 17th century.


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