Belle Isle Castle, Co Fermanagh fh01

Description:
A stunning castle set on its own private island in the middle of Lough Erne; a place where dreams come true!  Situated on the northern tip of Upper Lough Erne, this 470-acre estate is spread over eight picturesque islands. In addition to the charming castle, the estate  offers a  range of attractive self-catering and serviced accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. The property is owned by the Duke of Abercorn and the site has been occupied since the 12th century.

This stunning castle comprises two interconnecting wings and is perfect for special occasions and other gatherings, such as family vacations, intimate weddings, product launches and photographic shoots. The blend of ancient grandeur and modern amenities provide the last word in comfort and ambiance. Fine antiques and fascinating art works grace the main reception rooms. The heart of the castle is the banqueting hall, a large atmospheric room, recently restored to its former glory. An open fireplace sits opposite huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Above, a minstrel's gallery uses natural acoustics to flood the room with traditional and classical music.  The castle may be rented in its entirety for your exclusive use.  A range of Elegant Ireland excursions and Game of Thrones customised tours are available to delight and intrigue.  Or, you could go Island-hopping on a unique food trail with the local Water Taxi and afterwards indulge in Afternoon Tea at your very own private castle. The sunken garden makes the perfect space for gatherings, impromptu or otherwise. A formal walled garden tempts your eye as you glance back towards the castle and wonder what lies behind that imposing door.  Not surprisingly, this popular venue is in always in high demand.
 

Accommodation information:

13 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms

Ground floor:
Guests pass through a magnificent double-vaulted entrance hall into an elegant drawing room with an open fireplace. The Grand Hall, a banqueting room that seats 50, has its own minstrels' gallery. The large, fully-fitted kitchen, with Aga and farmhouse table, is a popular space.  Also on the ground floor there are two sitting rooms, inner hall and a cloakroom. In th Abercorn Wing there is an elevator to the first floor.

First / second floors: Each of the 13 bedrooms is uniquely decorated with antique or handcrafted pine furniture. The Ivy Room in the Hamilton Wing has a grand four poster bed and astonishing views over the Estate. The Sweet Pea Room has a deluxe roll top bathroom suit.  Every room is brimming with character & history, drawing you into a storybook fairy tale. For your added convenience there is an elevator in the Abercorn Wingwhich  leads to five of the 13 bedrooms.

A number of self-catering cottages and apartments are scattered around the estate and may be booked independently or with the castle.
What are you waiting for?   Book this idyllic property now!

Approximate distance:

Belfast, 144km (90 miles)
Dublin, 177km (110 miles)
Shannon, 274km (170 miles)
Nearest town is Enniskillen, 13km (8 miles)

 Amenities in the area:

The estate has been designated a Special Area of Conservation and the castle itself is a fantastic 17th century country house. The strong stone walls, huge solid wood doors and sculptural window surrounds are encased in a sea of ivy leaves and traditional planting. Beyond the castle a lake view beckons you further into the estate, through grassy banks and wild flowering meadows past rope swings swaying from mature trees.  Amenities in the grounds include all-weather hard tennis court (in the old walled garden), private coarse and pike fishing, stalking in season (advance notice required), boat hire to explore the lakes and islands, and walking in the surrounding countryside.  The castle can be hired as self-catering or with housekeeping and catering services.  For you added convenience there is a bistro on the grounds of the estate

A wooden-built cruiser, Trasna, accommodates up to 12 people, and is available for hire with skipper, from June to September. Attractions in the area include the town of Enniskillen, with its excellent range of shops and restaurants, and the National Trust properties of Castle Coole, Florence Courtand Crom. The magnificent beaches of County Donegal are approximately 45 minutes away, as is Belleek - home of the famous pottery.The Marble Arch Caves are 10 minutes by car.  Golfers have many options including the championship course at Lough Erne Resort, while those tracing their ancestry have the wonderful facilities at the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh.