Enniskillen Castles Northern Ireland

Day 71/Northern Ireland 7

Travelled:138km

Visited:near Enniskillen Northern Ireland- Castle Coole (National Trust nonmembers £9pp), Florence Court (National Trust nonmembers £10pp)

Stay: Glencar Lough Ireland- one of the carparks along the lake N54.3402 W8.3734

We’d planned a change of scenery today, to visit a couple of National Trust properties that had peaked our interest, which involved us driving to Enniskillen in Northern Ireland. Along the way we drove through Donegal (a pretty town but too early in the day to visit anything). We crossed the border into Northern Ireland and instantly noticed the Union Jack colours and bunting in the towns.

Donegal region Ireland..green and yellow

Crossing the border..Ireland to Northern Ireland 

Uk...Red, white and blue.

 It was very busy as we drove through Enniskillen maybe because it was a bank holiday so we kept going to our destination, Castle Coole. 

Google

The 1st Earl of Belmore built this fine example of neoclassical home during the 1790’s, using Portland stone inside and out. He used architect James Wyatt who loved symmetry ( needing to create fake doorways and fire places) and spared no expense. He died not long after it was completed and so his son ended up having to furnishing the property. In debt, he went in a 7 year grand tour and sold artefacts he found for a profit, eventually paying off the debt. The 4th Earl spent some time in Australia, New South Wales, but came back with his 13 children. Unfortunately his 3 sons died with no issue and so the title passed to a nephew. The death tax crippled the estate, forcing him to sell to the National Trust in 1953. When he inherited, his 8 aunts where still living here! Thanks to google for the interior photos. 

Chairs were individually designed to fit the oval room.



This bedroom was specifically furnished for King George who never ended up visiting...

We then went to visit Florence Court, built in the mid 1700’s by the Earl of Enniskillen. 

The main interior features were the amazing plaster ceilings in the main rooms especially the dinning room. Unfortunately no photos means we can’t share our experience.

After visiting the servants quarters we had a look at the laundry. 

An iron warmer..haven’t seen one of these before.

We then ventured to the water powered sawmill.

 On our way back to Bluey we strolled through the beautiful walled garden. 

Feeling that we can’t dally we made our way back across the non existent border (pre Brexit) and stopped on the shore of Glencar Lough. Hopefully the rain will ease in the morning for a visit to the falls.