Location
Enniskillen , Co. Fermanagh
History
Castle Coole is the impressive 18th Century home of the Earl of Belmore, a neoclassical manor situated in stunning landscaped parkland outside Enniskillen and one of the National Trust's key properties in Northern Ireland .
Built between 1789 and 1795, Castle Coole was designed by James Wyatt, the principal architect of his day, for the first Earl of Belmore. Castle Coole was clearly built to impress and represents one of the best examples of Palladian architecture in Ireland. The white Portland stone it is built from was brought at great expense from southern England. The building work cost GBP70,000 and nearly bankrupted the 1st Earl of Belmore. The 2nd Earl spent a further GBP35,000 on lavish interiors created by some of the leading craftsmen of the 18th and 19th Centuries. The great halls are filled with marble chimney pieces, ornate plasterwork, scaglioli columns and elegant Regency furnishings, presented as they would be centuries earlier.
The highlight of the tour of the house is the state bedroom, flamboyantly decorated, draped in deep red silk and prepared by the 2nd Earl for a visit by King George IV in 1821. However the Earl was stood up, the King instead stayed at Slane Castle cavorting with his mistress. The etchings that decorate the room were added later, and are the Earl's response to being snubbed, titled "The Rake's Progress".
In Castle Coole's surrounding estate, there are many extensive parkland and woodland walks taking you through graceful landscaped scenery and around Lough Coole and the outbuildings such as the Grand Yard which housed US officers during World War Two.
Opening Times
No opening times available
Visit Length
1hr
Admission
No admission fees available
Information
Leaflets: Yes Guided Tours: Yes Audio Visual: Yes Exhibition: Yes
Facilities
Restaurant: Yes Car Park: Yes Coach Park: Yes Disabled Access: Yes
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