Location: County Fermanagh Map
Tel. 028 6632 5000
Official site
Open:
July & Aug: 10am- 5pm Tue- Fri
2pm- 5pm Sat- Mon
May- June & Sept: 10am- 5pm Tue- Fri
2pm- 5pm Sat Mon
Oct-
Apr: 10am- 5pm Tue- Fri
2pm- 5pm Mon
Closed: Jan 1, Dec
25, 26
Enniskillen Castle, located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is a historic fortress with a rich and layered history, strategically positioned on the banks of the River Erne. Its origins date back to the early 15th century, and it has served as a military stronghold, a plantation castle, a barracks, and now a museum complex.
Enniskillen Castle’s story begins in the medieval period, with the
site likely used as a defensive position even before the castle’s formal
construction. The castle is first documented in 1427, when it was built
by Hugh "the Hospitable" Maguire, a prominent Gaelic lord of the Maguire
dynasty, which dominated Fermanagh for centuries. Its location was
critical, situated at a natural crossing point of the River Erne, which
connected Upper and Lower Lough Erne, making it a choke point for
controlling the waterways and surrounding lands.
Throughout the
16th and early 17th centuries, the castle was a focal point in the power
struggles between Gaelic lords, English forces, and later plantation
settlers. It changed hands multiple times during conflicts such as the
Nine Years’ War (1594–1603). In 1594, Captain John Dowdall, an English
commander, captured the castle from Hugh Maguire, only for it to be
retaken by Maguire shortly after. The castle’s Gaelic prominence ended
in 1607 with the Flight of the Earls, when the Maguire chieftains fled
Ireland, leaving the castle vulnerable.
During the Ulster
Plantation (early 17th century), the castle was granted to Sir William
Cole, an English settler tasked with fortifying the site. Cole
transformed it from a Gaelic tower house into a more robust plantation
castle, adding defensive features to withstand attacks during the
turbulent period. The castle played a significant role in the 1641 Irish
Rebellion, when it was besieged but held firm under Cole’s command.
In the late 17th century, Enniskillen Castle became a key military
site during the Williamite Wars (1688–1691). The town of Enniskillen was
a Protestant stronghold loyal to William of Orange, and the castle was
central to their defense against Jacobite forces. The Enniskillen
Dragoons and Inniskilling Fusiliers, regiments raised locally, trace
their origins to this period, cementing the castle’s military legacy.
From the 18th century onward, the castle transitioned into a
military barracks, housing British Army units, including the Royal
Inniskilling Fusiliers and Dragoons. It remained in military use until
the 20th century, after which it fell into disrepair before being
restored and repurposed as a heritage site.
Enniskillen Castle’s architecture reflects its evolution from a
medieval Gaelic stronghold to a plantation fortress and later a
barracks. The castle complex today consists of several distinct
elements:
Keep (Watergate Towers):
The most iconic feature of
Enniskillen Castle is its twin-turreted keep, often referred to as the
Watergate due to its proximity to the River Erne. This structure,
rebuilt by William Cole in the early 17th century, replaced an earlier
Gaelic tower house. The keep is characterized by its two conical-roofed
turrets, which give it a picturesque, almost fairytale-like appearance.
These turrets were likely added for aesthetic purposes, reflecting
plantation-era trends rather than purely defensive needs.
The keep
originally served as the main residence and defensive core, with thick
stone walls designed to withstand sieges. Its elevated position offered
views over the river, allowing defenders to monitor approaching threats.
Curtain Walls and Bastions:
The castle was surrounded by curtain
walls, parts of which survive, though much was altered during its time
as a barracks. In the 17th century, Cole added angular bastions to
improve defense against artillery, a response to evolving military
technology. These bastions are less prominent today but indicate the
castle’s adaptation to early modern warfare.
Barracks Buildings:
The 18th- and 19th-century barracks buildings dominate the castle’s
inner courtyard. These long, rectangular structures were designed to
house soldiers and their families, with functional rather than ornate
designs. The barracks now form part of the museum complex, with some
buildings restored to showcase their historical use.
Outer
Defenses:
The castle’s outer defenses included a moat-like ditch (now
filled) and earthworks, which complemented its riverside location. The
River Erne itself acted as a natural barrier, making the castle
difficult to assault from the water.
The castle’s compact
size—compared to larger fortresses like Dublin Castle—reflects its role
as a regional stronghold rather than a royal seat. Its architecture
blends Gaelic, plantation, and military styles, a testament to its long
and varied history.
Enniskillen Castle’s importance lies in its strategic and cultural
roles:
Strategic Role: Its position on the River Erne made it a
gateway to Fermanagh and a key defensive point in Ulster. It controlled
access to the loughs and surrounding lands, influencing trade and
military movements.
Gaelic Heritage: As a Maguire stronghold, it was
a symbol of Gaelic power before the plantation reshaped Ulster’s social
order.
Plantation Legacy: Under William Cole, it became a model of
plantation fortification, representing English efforts to consolidate
control in Ireland.
Military History: The castle’s association with
the Inniskilling regiments highlights its role in shaping British
military tradition, particularly during the Williamite Wars.
Cultural
Symbol: Today, it stands as a reminder of Fermanagh’s complex history,
bridging Gaelic, English, and Ulster identities.
Since the 20th century, Enniskillen Castle has been repurposed as a
heritage site and museum complex, managed by the Northern Ireland
Environment Agency and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. The castle
houses two main museums:
Fermanagh County Museum:
This museum
explores the history of Fermanagh from prehistoric times to the present.
Exhibits include artifacts from the castle’s Gaelic and plantation
periods, such as weapons, pottery, and manuscripts. It also covers local
folklore, archaeology, and the region’s natural history, with displays
on the Erne’s ecological significance.
Temporary exhibitions often
highlight local artists, crafts, or historical events, making the museum
a cultural hub.
Inniskillings Museum:
Dedicated to the Royal
Inniskilling Fusiliers and Dragoons, this museum traces the regiments’
history from their formation in the 1680s to their amalgamation in the
20th century. Displays include uniforms, medals, weapons, and personal
accounts from soldiers, with a focus on battles like Waterloo, the
Somme, and D-Day.
The museum also explores the social history of the
regiments, including their impact on Enniskillen’s community.
The
castle’s grounds are open to visitors, with guided tours available to
explore the keep, barracks, and exhibitions. Its riverside setting and
well-preserved structures make it a popular tourist destination,
offering panoramic views and a tangible connection to Fermanagh’s past.
Access: The castle is easily accessible in Enniskillen town, with
parking and nearby amenities. It’s open year-round, though hours vary by
season.
Events: The castle hosts cultural events, such as historical
reenactments, craft fairs, and lectures, particularly during summer
months.
Conservation: Ongoing restoration ensures the castle remains
in good condition, with efforts to balance historical authenticity with
modern accessibility.