Castle Caldwell

Castle Caldwell stands on a small peninsula in the western part of Lough Erne, County Fermanagh. It was built between 1612 and 1619 by Scottish settlers after the English conquest of Ireland. The castle was originally called Fort Hassett and had a tower with two projecting turrets and a central house. The Blennerhassett family were the first owners, followed by the Caldwell family from Enniskillen in 1672. In 1683 the head of the Caldwell family was made a baronet. By the late 18th century the castle had been remodelled several times and described as a fine building with a Gothic façade. In the early 19th century it passed to M. P. Bloomfield through marriage, and his son John Caldwell-Bloomfield founded the Belleek Pottery nearby. After being sold in 1876 the castle fell into ruin and now survives as picturesque remains. The Caldwell Forest Park surrounds the castle and is open to visitors. From the park there are fine views across Lough Erne to the surrounding countryside. Within the park stands a ruined chapel and an old cemetery with weathered headstones. The whole site offers a quiet place for walking among trees and along the lake shore.