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  • Portora Castle

    Topics:
    • Historic environment, 
    • Archaeology & Monuments

    Portora
    Enniskillen
    BT74 7HA
    United Kingdom

    Contact

    Phone: 028 9082 3207
    Email: scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk
    Website: https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/portora-castle-p703161

    Additional Information

    Open to the public: Yes, entry is free (Sometimes public access is restricted due to works for example. Check before you visit)
    Grid reference: H2221045300
    View on the Historic Environment Map Viewer
    SM number: FER 211:019
    View details on the NI Sites & Monuments Record (NISMR)

    About Portora Castle

    Portora Castle guards a former crossing point where the river joins Lough Erne. Built in 1613 by Sir William Cole, it consisted of a 3 storey house enclosed with a defensive bawn, the wall of which was equipped with 4 circular towers to add further protection.

    The house was let to Bishop Spottiswood, Bishop of Clogher until 1629 and thereafter was occupied by the Coles until 1764. The castle had an important military role in the 1641 rising and again in 1688, it withstood these sieges without damage, but finally fell to boys of Portora School playing with homemade explosives in 1859 and was further damaged in the great gale of 1894.

    The two tall round towers to the north and west were part of the house, which occupied this side of the bawn. They have splayed gun-loops for defence and there are traces of fireplaces in the house.

    Other historic places you can visit:

    • Love Heritage NI
    Portora Castle
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