Accommodation Reviews > Fermanagh > Belle Isle Castle
Review of Belle Isle Castle
Type: Self-catering
Visit Website
User Comments
More Accommodation in Co Fermanagh
Lisbellaw, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
It's hard to encompass this place in a short review - it would really need a book!
The castle, which date back to the 1600's, is on a wooded island in Upper Lough Erne, and is owned by the Duke of Abercorn. It is at the heart of a 470-acre estate, with tennis, croquet, boating, walking and fishing on site, shooting organised by prior arrangement and many interesting places to see and visit in the locality.
There is lots to explore - the sunken garden, the small surrounding islands on the lake, the woods, the lakeshore.
The castle is in immaculate order inside, furnished with antiques and items collected by the family during their journeys abroad over the centuries. The interior was designed by the late David Hicks, patently a genius as he has managed to make it bright, modern and colourful without in anyway spoiling or taking from its sense of history.
All the rooms in the castle are large and grand, but have a lived in, comfortable feel, from the dining room with its enormous table and high vaulted ceiling to the living room, with its comfortable chairs, vases of fresh flowers and cheerful cushions.
Each of the 8 bedrooms (the castle can sleep 14 people) is individually and very well decorated and again give no sense of this being rented accommodation - it looks like a particularly grand and elegant home.
Staff can be provided by request as can all meals. You really will feel like lord of the manor staying with your guests here - it isn't cheap, but it's very good value for the quality of what you get.
If you cannot run to the castle or have a smaller party, there are very good self-catering units in the courtyard and coach house and in a number of cottages on the estate. Or you could consider the Clock Tower or the Governer's Cottege at Baronscourt, Lord Abercorn's home in Co Tyrone.
Then there is the Cookery School.
Belle Isle is a great place for kids, though staying in a self-catering unit rather than the main house is recommended. Apart from freedom to explore the amazing grounds and cruise on the lake, there is a good children's play area and tennis courts are available.
All in all this is an amazing place and provides wonderful accommodation a million miles away from what most people think of when you mention self-catering.
Rates guides are per room for 2 people, usually with
breakfast.
€ €30-60 €€
€60-120 €€€ €120-180 €€€€
€180-250 €€€€€ €250+
Did you stay at Belle Isle Castle?
Please note: To prevent spam all comments are moderated. Promotional or advertising comments will not be published. If you want to ask a question or start a discussion rather than post a comment, please so so in the forum. Thank you!
Things to do and places to see near Belle Isle Castle
Marble Arch Caves | Castle Coole | The Sheelin Irish Lace Museum |
More Good Places to Stay in Co Fermanagh
Belle Isle Castle (€€€) Lusty Beg Island (€€-€€€)
See also the Accommodation Section of our Ireland Travel Directory
