Top 5 Castles around Ferny Island
Best castles around Ferny Island are found in a region characterized by its historical significance and natural waterways. This area features a landscape dotted with ancient fortifications and grand estates, many situated near the River Erne. The castles here offer insights into centuries of local history, from 16th-century strongholds to 18th-century neoclassical mansions. Visitors can explore a variety of historical sites within this distinct geographical setting.
Best castles around Ferny Island
- The most popular castles is Enniskillen Castle, a historical site situated on the banks of the River Erne. Built in the 16th century, it has served various roles, including a military barracks and now a heritage center.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site. Once known as Irvine Castle, it was utilized as a military hospital during WWII before becoming a ruin.
- Visitors also love Monea Castle Ruins, a historical site built in the 17th century in a distinct Scottish style. These ruins are free to visit and offer a glimpse into the region's Plantation history.
- Ferny Island is known for historical sites, castles, and castle ruins. The area offers a variety of fortifications to explore, ranging from well-preserved mansions to ancient, fire-damaged structures.
- The castles around Ferny Island are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 upvotes and 10 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Enniskillen Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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
Highlight • Castle
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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Necarne Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Monea Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
The castle was attacked and occupied during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and was lived in by the family of colonel Gustav Hamilton until 1704. A few decades later, a fire destroyed much of the castle, leaving it ruined as it is today.
The ruins are free to visit and open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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Tips from the Community
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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Like many other castles in the area, Monea Castle was built during the Plantation in the 17th century, when settlers from Great Britain colonised lands in Ireland. The Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton built the castle in 1616 in a distinctly Scottish style. The castle was attacked and occupied during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and was lived in by the family of colonel Gustav Hamilton until 1704. A few decades later, a fire destroyed much of the castle, leaving it ruined as it is today. The ruins are free to visit and open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical sites and castles can I explore around Ferny Island?
The region around Ferny Island is rich in history, featuring a variety of fortifications from 16th-century strongholds to 18th-century neoclassical mansions. You can explore well-preserved castles, ancient ruins, and estates that offer insights into centuries of local history. Examples include the 16th-century Enniskillen Castle and the grand 18th-century Castle Coole.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near Ferny Island?
Yes, several castles around Ferny Island are suitable for families. Enniskillen Castle, with its museum, and Castle Coole, with its extensive parklands, are both categorized as family-friendly. The Monea Castle Ruins are also free to visit and offer a glimpse into history that can be interesting for all ages.
What is the history behind the castles in the Ferny Island area?
The castles around Ferny Island tell a story of centuries of local history. For instance, Enniskillen Castle, founded in the 15th century, has served as a military barracks and now a heritage center. Monea Castle Ruins, built in the 17th century during the Plantation, showcase a distinct Scottish architectural style and were involved in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, even served as a military hospital during WWII.
Can I go hiking or cycling near the castles around Ferny Island?
Absolutely! The area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find various hiking routes, such as the 'Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Castle Coole' or the 'Lough Coole – Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Enniskillen'. For cyclists, there are routes like the 'Enniskillen Castle – Castle Coole loop from Enniskillen'. Explore more options on the Hiking around Ferny Island and Cycling around Ferny Island guide pages.
Are there any free-to-visit castles or ruins in the Ferny Island region?
Yes, the Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. While some sites like Castle Coole charge an entrance fee for the mansion, their extensive grounds often have different access policies or fees.
What natural features or wildlife can I expect to see around the castles?
Many castles are set within beautiful natural landscapes. Castle Coole, for example, is situated within a magnificent 1,200-acre wooded estate featuring oak, ash, and beech trees. The area is also characterized by its proximity to the River Erne, offering scenic views and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna in these historical settings.
How long should I plan for a visit to the castles?
The time needed varies by castle. For a site like Enniskillen Castle, which includes a museum, you might want to allocate 2-3 hours. Exploring the mansion and extensive grounds of Castle Coole could take half a day. For ruins like Monea Castle Ruins, an hour might suffice, depending on your interest in photography and historical details.
Are there any running trails near the castles around Ferny Island?
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can enjoy routes like the 'Lough Coole and Castle Coole running loop from Enniskillen' or the 'Race Course Lough via Forthill Park running loop'. These trails offer a great way to combine exercise with sightseeing. Find more options on the Running Trails around Ferny Island guide page.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in this region?
While specific seasonal information isn't provided for all castles, generally, spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for exploring outdoor ruins and castle grounds. However, indoor attractions like the museum at Enniskillen Castle are accessible year-round. Always check individual castle opening hours, as they may vary seasonally.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles to discover?
While Enniskillen Castle and Castle Coole are popular, the Monea Castle Ruins offer a more tranquil experience as free-to-visit ruins. Similarly, Necarne Castle, though a ruin, provides a historical site that might be less frequented by general tourists.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Ferny Island?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history embedded in these sites, from the tales of rebellions at Enniskillen Castle to the grand architecture of Castle Coole. The opportunity to explore castle grounds, learn about past inhabitants, and witness the distinct architectural styles, such as the Scottish influence at Monea Castle Ruins, are often highlighted as key attractions.
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