Belle Isle Castle and Cottages

The history of Belle Isle and its estate is steeped in wonder. The Annals of Ulster, a collection of the history of medieval Ireland, was said to have been compiled in a monastery that originally stood here during the 16th century. In 1700, the church estate was replaced by a country house built by Sir Ralph Gore, a Lord Justice of Ireland. His grandson, also named Ralph Gore, 1st Earl of Ross, inherited the island and expanded the manor, adding new buildings, including a tower and cottages. He also commissioned Thomas Wright, a famed Irish scientist, to design the estate's expansive gardens, which at the time reached as far as the island's shore.

The last Ross descendant, Lady Mary Hardinge, died in 1824, and the castle sat neglected until it was acquired by Rev. Gray Porter in 1830. The Porter family restored the estate and remained its owners all the way until 1991, when it was bought by James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn, who remains its lord to this day.

Although the publicly accessible accommodations pertain to the courtyard guesthouses and cottages, the castle is architecturally noteworthy due to its history. Built in 1700, the manor is actually a castellated country house with a gabled entrance and a battlemented tower, giving it a castle-like appearance. Aside from the main building, the manor has two wings: the Abercorn Wing and the Hamilton Wing. Its interiors did change over the centuries, though retain much of the manor's historic charm. Oak wood is used in much of the interior design, especially for the wood panels and the grand staircase. Other standout details include both decorative and practical fireplaces, as well as ceiling roses and coving for hanging light fixtures.

For regular stay options, guests can choose from a selection of cottages and courtyard guesthouses. Some of these were originally stables, barns, and coach houses that have been adapted for modern living. They are furnished just like apartment homes and include a full kitchen and laundry, making them fantastic choices for extended stays, so you can enjoy the Irish countryside.

Belle Isle Castle does not have an on-site restaurant; instead, guests are encouraged to use its built-in kitchen and purchase ingredients from nearby villages and local producers. Each unit comes equipped with a modern stovetop oven and a microwave, giving you plenty of options for preparing your food. Also available are barbecue facilities for preparing roasted treats, perfect if you're visiting during the summer.

Celebrate your Irish wedding on a private island on Lough Erne, surrounded by the verdant Irish countryside. Couples can enjoy exclusive use of the castle and grounds with one wedding per day guaranteed. Ceremony locations include indoor options such as the Grand Hall and the Pavilion, and outdoor spaces like the Abercorn Terrace or Sunken Garden. You will have dedicated wedding coordinators assist you right at the start, all the way through to the event's end. They'll help tailor every aspect, including the decor and themes, and even recommend partner services and vendors. The catering is managed by Saddlers of Enniskillen, the castle's award-winning partner restaurant.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Belle Isle Castle estate sits on an island atop Lough Erne, providing a retreat filled with opportunities for outdoor adventures. Residents can enjoy fishing on the lake for pike, and can book boats and hire guides for assistance. In the same vein, those who would like to relax and explore the waterways can go boating or kayaking around the lake’s islands. The surrounding area has numerous walking trails through woodland and hills, promising wildlife encounters and scenic views. If you'd rather stay in for the day, sign up for an archery session or a horse riding lesson instead.

Outside the estate, the wider Fermanagh region opens up with even more cultural and local attractions. Nearby Enniskillen Castle still bears some of its original fortifications and is home to several museums. Belleek Pottery is regarded as one of Ireland’s most famous ceramics producers, providing tours and classes to those interested. Local natural wonders include the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, which is a fascinating underground world of rivers and chambers, and the Cuilcagh Mountain Boardwalk, also known as Ireland's Stairway to Heaven. To round out your itinerary, you can also add a game or two at Lough Erne Golf Resort, and visits to National Trust properties such as Castle Coole and Florence Court.

Should you need a location for your private or corporate events, the Belle Isle estate offers versatile venues surrounded by scenic backdrops. For special occasions, the estate can be booked in its entirety to host birthdays, anniversaries, milestone parties, or family gatherings. You can also customize services such as hiring caterers and a licensed bar for dining, along with a maid and butler service to attend to your stay.

Similarly, business and corporate events can utilize the spacious Grand Hall for large conferences and seminars, while smaller venues like the annex, library, and drawing rooms can be set up for meetings and workshops. These venues come equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, while AV equipment and flexible seating configurations can be provided as needed. Additional services include options like catering, breakout sessions, and tailored teambuilding activities on the estate.