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Things to do in Castle Coole's house

Visitors walking towards Castle Coole, County Fermanagh.
Visitors walking towards Castle Coole, County Fermanagh. | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

Step inside the house at Castle Coole to experience the ornate interiors, uncover the stories of the family who lived here and explore the extensive servants’ world below stairs. You can join a guided tour, see a state bedroom built for a royal visit and explore the underground servants' tunnel at this Neo-classical house.

Step inside the house 

A fine Neo-classical home

Built to impress in the 1790s, Castle Coole is now widely recognised as one of the finest Neo-classical houses in Ireland.

Join a tour

Join a guided tour to see the lavish rooms including the grand oval Saloon and the State Bedroom designed for a visit from King George IV.

Guides will share stories about the house

The informative guides will be able to tell you all about the various craftsmen who worked on the property during the 1790s as well as the generations of the Lowry-Corry family who have shaped the house and estate up to the current day.  

Find out more about the house and estate

Uncover the story of two historic houses which once stood on the Fermanagh demesne, including a tower house built in 1611 and the first house built in 1709–10.

Research reveals the past

Evidence of the existence of these buildings is found in plans, drawings, maps and estate records from the archives. There's also evidence in some prominent earthworks, where you can also spot the remains of the historic formal garden which included a sunken bowling green, orchards and a water garden complete with a boating lake and ornamental canal.

It's one of the most complete archaeological survivals in Ulster of an 18th-century formal garden layout.

How to book your tickets

You can book tickets for the guided tour when you arrive. 

A family exploring the stone-vaulted tunnel in the Basement at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh
A family exploring the stone-vaulted tunnel in the Basement at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

Explore underground 

Go down to the basement

Once occupied by a small army of servants, the extensive basement at Castle Coole is one of the most impressive that we care for, where you can explore a hidden underground world.   

Look through the wine cellar

Wander through the servants’ quarters to get a glimpse of what life here was like for the people who lived and worked at Castle Coole. On your tour you can visit the Footmens’ Room, Wine Cellar, Servants’ Hall and the Kitchen.

Venture into the tunnel

You can also experience the dimly lit servants’ tunnel, which was designed to provide direct access to the Grand Yard and Farm Yards (where the laundry, dairy, fuel stores and stables are located), discreetly hidden from view.

Visitors exploring the house at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh
Visitors exploring the house at Castle Coole, County Fermanagh | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

How to visit the house

The house is available to see by guided tour only. Tours are offered daily when the house is open. Please book onto your house tour at visitor reception, which is located in the giftshop.

Tours last approximately one hour and take in all of the main rooms in the mansion, as well as the basement where the servants lived and worked. 

Groups are welcome.

 

Sorry, photography is not allowed

Please note that photography is not permitted inside the mansion.

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.

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