Skip to content

Exploring the estate at Castle Coole

Children riding their bikes along a footpath at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Footpath at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

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.

Visitors exploring the woodland at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh
Visitors exploring the woodland at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh | © National Trust Images / John Millar

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.

A close-up image of a Christmas tree with lights and baubles at Uppark, with more lights out of focus in the background
Christmas decorations at Uppark | © National Trust Images/John Millar

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.

Visitors exploring the grounds of Castle Coole, County Fermanagh

Discover more at Castle Coole

Find out when Castle Coole is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

You might also be interested in

Visitors and their dogs in the parkland at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh
Article
Article

Visiting Castle Coole with your dog 

Castle Coole is a one pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome at Castle Coole. Please help to ensure that all visitors, with or without dogs, can enjoy their visit by following these guidelines.

Close-up of a girl holding a sandwich close to her mouth
Article
Article

Eating at Castle Coole 

Tuck into a seasonal menu of hot lunches, sandwiches, teas, coffees, cakes and bakes in the historic Tallow House Tea-room at Castle Coole.

The south front at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh.
Article
Article

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.

Walker at Watendlath, Cumbria

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.

A hiker wearing an insulated jacket and a backpack watches the sunset over snowy mountain peaks

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.

Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland

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.