Portora Castle (click here)
Portora Castle Portora Castle is a small historic landmark located in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This castle dates back to the 17th century and stands proudly on the banks of Lough Erne at the site of an ancient crossing place of the Erne River between Connacht and Ulster. It was originally built as a defensive stronghold and has witnessed centuries of events and was home to various noble families throughout the years. Portora Castle guards a former crossing point where the river joins Lough Erne, making it strategically important. Built in 1613 by Sir William Cole, it consisted of a
Lough Navar (click here for full story)
Lough Navar Beautiful drive with amazing scenery and views! Lough Navar is also know as ‘Loch na bhFear’ – it is a scenic lake located in beautiful County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It is situated within Navar Forest Park. Lots of hiking, biking and picnicking to be done here. Not for me like, I’m lazy and the wee drive through does me rightly…lol The Lake is surrounded by rolling hills, forests, woodlands and loads of wildlife. Some of the key things to take note of and enjoy are – 1 - The Lough Navar Forest Drive – take a drive along
Monea Castle (click here for full story)
Monea Castle The Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th Century was an attempt by the English monarchy to take control of the troublesome province of Ulster. After attempts by Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th Century, it wasn’t until the Flight of the Earls in 1607 that King James began to confiscate lands and grant it to those who would settle in Ulster and support the royal claim. Many of these settlers were English and Scottish and finding themselves amongst a hostile native population, they built defensive dwellings. The largest and best preserved of the Plantation Castles in Fermanagh
Castle Caldwell (click here for full story)
Castle Caldwell Castle Caldwell is an Historic Castle located in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Built in the 17th Century it sits overlooking Lough Erne. It was originally called ‘Hasett’s Fort and was built by Francis Blennerhasset as part of the Ulster Plantation. It was renamed, Castle Caldwell, in 1671 when James Caldwell bought it. The Castle has a rich history that is intertwined with the local folklore and legends. It has witnessed various significant events throughout the centuries. It served as a strategic military base during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 before becoming a residence for the wealthy Caldwell family. James
Headhunters Railway Museum!
7 Headhunters Railway Museum! Yep, you read that right…lol! Just walking down the street in Enniskillen and seen the sign, was curious so went in! So very glad that we did…amazing! What a fantastic little hidden treasure trove. The gentlemen are working away at cutting hair etc. and are happy enough to let you stroll around. Many little rooms full of nooks and crannies stuffed with memorabilia. What an incredible collection. An absolute must for any train lovers or even those who aren’t. So very interesting. If ever a place deserves to be promoted, this is it. The museum is
THE JANUS STONE, FERMANAGH, NORTHERN IRELAND – (click here for full story)
Went out and about one day on the search for the Janus Stone! What exactly is the Janus Stone? The Janus Stone, which is on Boa Island, County Fermanagh is believed to go back as far as Pagan time in Ireland. As it pre-dates Christianity it is believed to be over 2023 years old. It is one of the most famous carved stones in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Think about it the early Irish Christian period was between 400-800 AD – just let that sink in! As with all things Irish people have to balance archaeological findings and research
Tully Castle – (click here for full story)
Tully Castle Found this we gem on my way to another location, but Brown sign won over and away I went. Was not too sure if I was going the right direction, but tada there it was. Just a very short walk up a wee path and I was there. Site is lovely, I was there after 4 so the inside was not open but it’s pretty small so the outside was good. Will go back another day and then update this blog. Seeing the Castle was great, came back and did research on it and it is quite a
St. Cooey’s Well, County Down
What is it? This site, which I found one day when lost, is pretty neat. Have been back a few times now and enjoy everytime. There are three wells here – one for washing your eyes, one for washing your hands and one for drinking. One legend would have us believe that the water from the well remains cold even when boiled. About St. Cooey and the Well The Saint part of the name is from a Saint called Cu’Mhaighe (Cooey was his nickname) and his existence is hard to prove as there are no official records of him. But