Castle Caldwell Forest & RSPB Reserve
National nature and bird refuge. Beautiful setting attracting many bird watchers and flora enthusiasts. Walks and picnic areas
| Distance | 5 mins drive |
| Period Open | All Year |
The castle, originally built in 1612, remainded in the Caldwell family for approximately 200 years
The estate is a national nature and bird refuge, owned by the government. It is located at the very northern most portion of Lough Erne and is known for its' beautiful setting attracting many bird watchers and flora enthusiasts
Walking
Castle Caldwell features in a local guide book entitled '25 Walks in Fermanagh'. The book may be purchased from Fermanagh Tourist Information Office - Tel: 028 66323110
| Maps: Ordnance Survey Discoverer Series, Sheet 17 GR H014604 | |
| Terrain: Mostly level well-surfaced paths | Distance: 3.7km/2.3miles |
| Start point: Castle Caldwell Forest Car Park | Finish point: Castle Caldwell Forest Car Park |
Leave the car park by going left of the building at one end, and quite soon you'll pass below the ruins of the castle, dark and overgrown. Now in ruins, Castle Caldwell was built in 1612 during the time of the Plantation of Ulster
Follow the path, keeping to the shoreline, and at the crossroads take the way signed to Rossergole point, with views across the lough to rolling farmland
The return walk is along the southern shoreline until eventually the path reaches a small picnic area and leaves the lake shore, and you turn left at the forest road
Quite soon turn right onto a well used path through an area of beech woodland, suddenly coming to a ruined ivy cloaked castle, unfortunately unsafe to enter. Continue along the path almost to a post and rail fence at a sharp bend in the minor county road. Turn right and you'll soon be back at the car park