Experience Ireland's Finest Neoclassical Mansion
Castle Coole stands as one of Ireland’s most magnificent Georgian houses, offering visitors an unforgettable journey into aristocratic life just minutes from Enniskillen town centre. This National Trust treasure combines architectural perfection with 700 acres of stunning Fermanagh parkland, creating the ideal day out for history lovers, families, and anyone seeking beautiful landscapes with fascinating stories.
From Belmore Court & Motel, Castle Coole is:
Architectural Perfection
Designed by renowned architect James Wyatt and completed in 1798, Castle Coole represents neoclassical design at its finest. The gleaming Portland stone façade—imported from Dorset at extraordinary expense—still radiates elegance over two centuries later, creating one of Fermanagh’s most photographed landmarks.
Step inside to discover magnificently preserved rooms:
Castle Coole’s designed landscape offers year-round walking pleasure:
Discover three centuries of Fermanagh history through the Lowry-Corry family, the Earls of Belmore, who shaped this corner of Ireland through their wealth, influence, and ambition.
Time And Place
Opening Times & Admission
Always check the National Trust website before visiting for current opening times and any special closures.
What to See & Do
Grand Reception Rooms
Marvel at the entrance hall’s scagliola columns and perfectly proportioned spaces designed to impress Fermanagh’s Georgian elite.
The Magnificent Oval Saloon
Castle Coole’s architectural heart—a two-storey oval room topped with an elaborate domed ceiling that showcases the finest Georgian craftsmanship.
Royal State Bedroom
Experience the lavish preparation for King George IV’s visit with carved and gilded furnishings, silk hangings, and period decoration.
Below Stairs
Explore servants’ working areas including the kitchen with Victorian ranges, servants’ hall, and service passages that reveal how this Fermanagh estate actually functioned.
Guided Tours
Knowledgeable guides bring Castle Coole’s stories to life, sharing insights into the Belmore family, Georgian society in Fermanagh, and the building’s architectural significance.
Lough Coole Walk
Circumnavigate the ornamental lake with stunning mansion reflections and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Woodland Trails
Waymarked paths of varying lengths through mature parkland—from 30-minute strolls to 2-hour explorations of Fermanagh’s designed landscape.
Seasonal Displays
Wildlife Watching
Spot mute swans, herons, woodland birds, and grey squirrels throughout this haven just outside Enniskillen.
Picnic Spots
Expansive lawns perfect for family picnics with one of Fermanagh’s finest buildings as your backdrop.
From Belmore Court & Motel:
Or walk: 30 minutes through pleasant Fermanagh countryside—ask our reception for route directions.
No Matter The Weather
Castle Coole awakens with daffodils, emerging tree leaves, and bluebells transforming Fermanagh’s most elegant estate into a botanical display. Tours typically resume in March.
Peak season brings daily opening, children’s activities, and perfect weather for combining house tours with parkland picnics. The estate’s cool woodland provides respite from Fermanagh’s warmer days.
Many visitors’ favourite season—spectacular leaf colours, quieter crowds, and often beautiful weather make autumn ideal for Castle Coole photography and leisurely exploration.
Special Christmas tours with period decorations (advance booking essential). The grounds remain open for peaceful winter walks, and the stark beauty of the neoclassical façade against grey Fermanagh skies creates dramatic scenes.
Create Memories
Castle Coole combines beautifully with other Enniskillen and Fermanagh attractions:
Morning: Enniskillen Castle Museums
Lunch: Enniskillen town centre restaurants
Afternoon: Castle Coole house and grounds
Evening: Dinner at Belmore Court & Motel
Morning: Castle Coole parkland walk
Lunch: Castle Coole tea room
Afternoon: Lough Erne boat cruise from Enniskillen
Evening: Traditional music in Enniskillen pubs
Morning: Castle Coole house tour
Afternoon: Marble Arch Caves (25 minutes from Enniskillen)
Evening: Relax at Belmore Court & Motel
Day 1: Hike Cuilcagh’s Stairway to Heaven
Day 2: Recover with gentle Castle Coole visit
Day 3: Lough Erne water activities
At just 1.5 miles from Castle Coole, we’re the closest quality accommodation to Fermanagh’s finest Georgian mansion. This means:
From our Enniskillen base, you’re ideally positioned for:
After days exploring Fermanagh’s heritage and landscapes:
Our team knows Fermanagh inside out:
Throughout the season, the National Trust hosts special events that add extra dimension to visits:
Check the National Trust website when planning your Fermanagh visit to catch special programming.
Tips & Tricks
Castle Coole offers something truly special—a perfectly preserved glimpse into Georgian aristocratic life set within Fermanagh’s most elegant designed landscape. Whether you’re fascinated by architecture, captivated by history, seeking beautiful walks, or simply want to experience one of Ireland’s finest country houses, Castle Coole delivers.
The mansion’s proximity to Enniskillen makes it effortlessly accessible for our guests at Belmore Court & Motel. No long drives, no complicated directions—just minutes from your comfortable room to one of Fermanagh’s greatest treasures.
Combine your Castle Coole visit with Enniskillen’s castle, restaurants, and waterfront, plus easy access to Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh, and Florence Court, and you’ll understand why Enniskillen makes the perfect base for discovering all of Fermanagh’s heritage and natural beauty.
Just 1.5 miles—a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk through pleasant Fermanagh countryside.
Highly recommended during summer and for special events like Christmas tours. The grounds are always accessible without booking.
Yes! The parkland offers excellent space for families, and house tours engage older children. Summer holiday activities are specifically designed for young visitors.
Absolutely—the 700-acre estate is free to access year-round, dawn to dusk.
Dogs welcome on leads in the parkland. Not permitted inside the mansion.
Ground floor rooms are wheelchair accessible. Upper floors require stair climbing. The grounds offer excellent accessible walking on firm paths.
Yes, throughout most of the house (no flash) and freely in the grounds.
Minimum 2 hours to see both house and grounds properly. Many guests spend 3-4 hours enjoying the complete Castle Coole experience.
From Enniskillen, you’re 25 minutes from Marble Arch Caves and Cuilcagh, 20 minutes from Florence Court, and walking distance to Enniskillen Castle and Lough Erne waterfront.
