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.
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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.
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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.