Location
Enniskillen , Co Fermanagh
History
Built some 600 years ago Enniskillen Castle was once the stronghold of the Maguire clan, guarding the waters of Lough Erne and inside, the castle houses the Fermanagh County Museum and the Museum of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. For centuries the Maguire chieftains who ruled the county of Fermanagh resided here at Enniskillen Castle, built on a bluff on an island in Lough Erne, guarding one of the main inland routes of the North of Ireland . Throughout the centuries the Maguires fought attacks from neighbouring chieftains, the O'Neills and the O'Donnells and the castle was captured and retaken many times. But in the early 17th Century it was taken by the English who secured the castle and the area became a staging post for the Plantation of Ulster.
During this period the castle was much rebuilt by Captain William Cole, who was responsible for the castle's distinctive turreted tower, the Watergate. Later he founded the Plantation town of Enniskillen, which took its name from the Maguire castle. Today, within the castle's walls is the Fermanagh County Museum with award-winning displays on the county's history , archaeology and wildlife and the Museum of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers spanning the long history of the regiment from its formation in 1689.
Details
Opening Times
Visit Length
1hr
Admission
*Free Admission with myguideIreland
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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