Discover more at Castle Coole
Find out when Castle Coole is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Things to do in Castle Coole's house
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.
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.
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.
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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Houses and buildings in Northern Ireland
Whether built through a martial disagreement, family rivalry or even a quirky stipulation in a will, each of the houses and buildings in our care has its own unique story to share. From Castle Coole, one of the greatest Neo-classical country houses in Ireland, to The Crown Bar, a masterpiece in pub architecture, intriguing items and fascinating finds speak of centuries ceased and capture a snapshot in time.