Castle Coole
Description
If you are hunting for the best things to do with kids in Enniskillen, this vast historical estate offers an incredible outdoor family adventure. Located just outside the town centre, it is a magnificent 18th-century neo-classical mansion surrounded by beautiful woodland trails. It provides an ideal backdrop for a family day out where children can explore nature and historic architecture.
Standard entry ticket prices for the whole property start from £12.00 for adults and £6.00 for children when booked under basic rates, with dedicated family packages available. If you only wish to explore the extensive outdoor trails and estate grounds, cheaper grounds-only tickets start from £5.50 for adults and £2.75 for children. National Trust members can access the entire estate completely free of charge.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that perfectly balances an educational day out with plenty of open space to run around, this grand estate delivers a wonderful experience. It allows children to connect with the past, explore historical workspaces, and get closer to nature.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Features
- Woodland Walking Trails: Multiple waymarked paths winding through mature trees and lakeside scenery, perfect for a relaxing family stroll.
- Interactive Exhibits: Immersive historical displays inside the house and servants' quarters that create an educational day out.
- Sensory Play Elements: Free sensory calm bags available on-site packed with fidget toys and ear defenders to support all children.
What to See
- The Neo-Classical Mansion: Children will love looking at the grand, symmetrical stone building designed by famous architect James Wyatt.
- The Servants' Underground Tunnel: A unique service tunnel connecting the grounds to the house basement, sparking young imaginations about life behind the scenes.
- The 18th-Century Ice House: A fascinating brick structure where servants used to chip off pond ice to make ice cream for the Earls.
- The Grand Yard Stables: A massive service yard holding the old carriage houses, stable blocks, and historical workspaces.
- Lough Coole Wetlands: A beautiful lake walk bursting with seasonal birds, quaking grass, and rare native plants.
Beyond the Main Attraction
Secondary Activities: The estate features a historic Tallow House which originally served as a candle-making workshop but now houses the visitor reception and a lovely gift shop. Families can also enjoy family-friendly running events like the regular, free Trust10 10k trail loops around the lake. For a broader day out, the property sits close to the Enniskillen public jetty at the Ardhowen Theatre directly opposite the estate gates.
Facilities
- Parking: Dedicated car parking is available on-site, including accessible blue badge spaces near the main entrance.
- Buggy Parking: Suitable outdoor areas and a dedicated transfer buggy are available to assist families moving from reception to the mansion.
- Toilets: Fully accessible toilet facilities are located safely right beside the main Visitor Reception.
- Food Options: A lovely stable yard café serves refreshments and light bites with step-free access for pushchairs.
What to see
What Visitors Love
- Wide, smooth gravel paths that make pushing a stroller completely effortless.
- Fascinating basement areas that give kids a vivid look at real historic servant life.
- The peaceful lakeside paths with plenty of space for younger kids to safely run around.
- Very friendly and enthusiastic tour guides who adapt their stories well for families.
What Visitors Don't Like
- The full mansion house tour involves quite a bit of standing and climbing up stairs for little legs.
- House entry is seasonal and often restricted to specific guided time slots, meaning you must check schedules before arriving.
Pro-Tips
- Sensory Support: Families can hire sensory "calm bags" free of charge for two hours, which include ear defenders and fidget toys.
- Rainy Day Alternative: If it starts to rain, the house tour includes a brilliant video showcase in the Breakfast Room so you can see all levels comfortably.
- Best Walks for Strollers: The Lake Walk is a flat 1.7km trail that is highly recommended as the most accessible path for buggies.
Price
Price: Paid
Price Details
Grounds Only - 2026
- Adult (18+): With Gift Aid £7.20 / Without Gift Aid £6.50
- Child (5-17) under 5s free: With Gift Aid £3.60 / Without Gift Aid £3.25
- Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children): With Gift Aid £17.90 / Without Gift Aid £16.25
- 1 adult and up to 3 children: With Gift Aid £10.80 / Without Gift Aid £9.75
- Group (Adult 18+): Without Gift Aid £6.00
Whole Property - 2026
- Adult (18+): With Gift Aid £15.40 / Without Gift Aid £14.00
- Child (5-17) under 5s free: With Gift Aid £7.70 / Without Gift Aid £7.00
- Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children): With Gift Aid £38.50 / Without Gift Aid £35.00
- 1 adult and up to 3 children: With Gift Aid £23.10 / Without Gift Aid £21.00
- Group (Adult 18+): Without Gift Aid £12.00
Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-coole
Birthday Parties
Offer Birthday Parties: No
- The Grounds: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Mansion House: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Visitor Reception: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- The Tea-Room: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Second-Hand Bookshop: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Address: Castle Coole, Enniskillen BT74 6JY, United Kingdom
Post Code: BT74 6JY
Council: Fermanagh and Omagh
County: County Fermanagh
- By Car: Drive along the main Belfast to Enniskillen Road (A4). The estate entrance is located roughly 1.5 miles outside Enniskillen town centre with free parking on-site.
- By Bus: Take Ulsterbus route 261 running between Belfast and Enniskillen, which stops close to the property.
- By Cycle: Located 1.5 miles along the National Cycle Network Route 91, clearly signposted from the Lakeland Forum.
Rating breakdown
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