Discover more at Castle Coole
Find out when Castle Coole is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Exploring the estate at Castle Coole
Head out on a walk through the historic landscape at Castle Coole, or join a guided tour to unearth the story of a formal garden and two former historic houses hiding in plain sight on this Fermanagh estate.
Take a walk through the estate
Explore two walking trails
Pull on your walking boots and explore the historic parkland at Castle Coole. Choose from our two walking trails, take a stroll beside the lake to spot seasonal wildlife and catch glimpses of Castle Coole house along the way.
Look out for the ice house
Wander through the beech trees and spot the 18th-century Ice House, which used to be filled with ice from a nearby pond when it had frozen over in winter. Meats would hang from the vaulted ceiling and servants would regularly make the journey to chip off ice to keep food and drinks cool and to make ice cream.
Discover the woodland
Walking through the woodland park you can spot other historic features including the Pump House, which once pumped water up to the house, and the Grand Yard, which housed the stables and carriage houses. This and the neighbouring yards contained a dairy, laundry house, candle factory, stables and the servants’ accommodation.
Spot seasonal wildlife
A rich habitat
Castle Coole is a designated Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) due to its rich parkland habitat and associated species.
Woodland floral flourishes
In places where the tree canopy is denser, woodland flora has developed and you can spot species such as the wood anemone, bluebell, pignut, primrose, lords-and-ladies and the notable bird’s nest orchid.
Diverse wet grassland species
The wetland vegetation fringing Lough Coole provides even more diversity with species such as the common reed and water horsetail. The wet grassland supports a range of plants including quaking grass, carnation sedge, devil’s-bit scabious and meadow vetchling.
Family fun at Castle Coole
With acres of countryside to explore, there’s plenty of space for younger visitors to run, jump and play. Bring the whole family and get closer to nature on an outdoor adventure.
Winter highlights at Castle Coole
Winter is the season for being together and Castle Coole is the perfect backdrop for time together this winter. The historic home, the finiest example of Neo-classical architecture in Ireland and the rolling estate surround it offer visitors ample opportunity to capture precious memories and make the most out of your time together this season.
Winter Walks
Castle Coole during winter is a peaceful escape from the town nearby. Take a winter walk around the Lake, with views across Lough Coole and keep an eye out for our resident swans.
Winter Sights
Discover new vistas from the Killynure Trail which is only open from November to February. Find a sign for it off the lake walk and make the short hill climb to find sweeping views over the estate.
Unique festive experiences
3 December and Saturday 10 December
Experience Festive Afternoon Tea in one of the finest neo-classical country houses in Ireland. Relax by the open fire as you takr in the opulence of this unique experience. Saturday 3 December and Saturday 10 December.
Winter Workshops
Bring your little ones along to Castle Coole and enjoy time together with a Christmas baking and decorating workshop in the stunning, historic basement Kitchen.
Make memories
This Christmas at Castle Coole, enjoy a winter walk, taking in the grand estate decorated for the festive season. Put yourself in the picture with our festive frame.
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Eating at Castle Coole
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History of Castle Coole
Uncover the story of one of the greatest neo-classical country houses in Ireland. Built in the 1790s it had some of the finest interiors and furnishings in the country.
Countryside and woodland
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Countryside areas in Northern Ireland
Whether you're looking for a heart-raising hike up Northern Ireland's highest mountain or a ramble by the river at The Argory, there are many countryside and woodland places to experience in Northern Ireland. Enjoy woodland respite at Minnowburn with the forest bathing beds or escape to the wild landscape of County Fermanagh with the countryside adventures at Florence Court, Castle Coole and Crom.