The primary attraction in the town of Eniskilleen is Enniskillen Castle, a strategic and well-preserved stronghold along the River Erne. Built in 1670 by the Maguire clan, today it houses two museums, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Regimental Museum and the Fermanagh County Museum.
Hugh Maguire, deputy chieftain to his older brother King Thomas the Great, built the the original castle. The site was chosen to guard the passage into Ulster, and the original structure consisted of a square tower house known as the Keep.
In the late 1700’s, the threat of French invasion prompted the government to refurbish the existing castle and add barracks, which can still be seen today on a tour of the castle. The original building houses the two museums.
Fermanagh County Museum opened its doors in 1977. It features award-winning exhibits depicting County Fermanagh’s rich history and archeological treasures, and covers topics like the Viking invasions, the plantation period, and World War II.
The Inniskillings Museum displays uniforms, weapons, photos and artwork related to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, including the bugle used in 1916 at the Battle of the Sonne.
The Heritage Centre at the castle provides special, award-winning educational programs and displays, a gift shop, an activity center for the children and refreshments.
Near the castle, you can also see the Water Gate, a double turreted structure built in the early 17th century to protect the town from invasion.
Caldragh Idol:
Not far away, on the Boa Island on Lough Erne, in the mournful Caldragh graveyard, stand two unique carved stone idols, reminiscent of the era before Christianity reached the shores of Ireland.
This two-sided Janus figure is by some estimates nearly two thousand years old, but most believe that it is connected to a pagan cult that lived on the island during the Dark Ages.
It is a strange looking figure, with a large head, even larger eyes, and crossed arms. It wears a woven belt and has a hole at its top that can indicate a missing part or may be a receptacle for blood offerings in a pagan ritual.
Standing in the mist in this desolate place, along with a statue called the Lusty Man which was transported here from Lusty Beg Island, the two make a captivating and memorable site that is worth tracking down.