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 (Irish Caisleán Inis Ceithleann) is a castle in the town of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Originally constructed in the 16th Century, the building now houses the Fermanagh County Museum and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.
The first castle on this site was built by Aodh Mag Uidhir (English Hugh Maguire) in 1567. She played a crucial role in the Irish rebels' struggle against English rule in the 16th century. It was taken in 1594 after an eight-day siege. In 1607 she was rebuilt and refurbished under Captain William Cole. The tower on the river side to the south, called Watergate, was added at this time. In the 18th century the castle was expanded as Castle Barracks.
The castle formed the main fortifications for the western outskirts and watched over the road to Sligo. It consists of two parts, a central tower keep and a curtain wall reinforced with small turrets called watch towers. The structure of the castle shows strong Scottish influences. This is particularly evident in the Watergate, which has two round towers on consoles, which were probably made around 1609. Since then, however, Enniskillen Castle has changed significantly. It counts as a historical monument under state administration.
The castle now houses the Fermanagh County Museum which focuses on the county's history, culture and natural history. The exhibitions include early history, natural history, traditional country life, local crafts and Belleek Pottery, as well as the history of the castle.
The castle also houses the Inniskillings Museum, the regimental museum of the Royal Inniskillings Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. The displays feature uniforms, medals, flags, regimental insignia, weapons and other military memorabilia.