CASTLE IRVINE ESTATE
We are delighted to announce that Mahon’s Hotel are now running the rooms at the historic Castle Irvine Estate, otherwise known as Necarne Castle. This is a brilliant location just a five minute walk, or one minute drive from the hotel.
The rooms are supplied on a room only basis, with guests welcome to have their breakfast or any meals/beverages in the hotel. Set in the courtyard area of the estate these rooms have been recently refurbished to a *** star rating. There are a mix of rooms including twin rooms, double rooms, a family suite with two double beds and a superior twin room with two double beds.
These rooms are well-appointed and would suit famillies, couples, groups of friends, or solow travellers. In particular Castle Irvine Estate rooms will be very convenient for those attending the events held in the facilities and on the whole a great base to explore Irvinestown, and the wider Fermanagh area. Castle Irvine Estate is located ten minutes from Enniskillen and 25 minutes from Omagh.
The History
The core of Necarne Castle is a castle which was built in the 17th century by Gerard Lowther as part of the plantation of Ulster. In 1629, the lands were leased to Christopher Irvine and the Irvines remained there until 1922.
In the 1830’s the castle and park were rebuild and a Victorian style wing was built against its South West facade amongst other things.
In 1925, Captain Richard Outram Hermon, from Sussex, bought the castle. In 1927 an extensive restoration of the castle and its gardens was started while Captain Hermon and his new wife went off on a world cruise. The estate was turned into a haven for shooting parties and Lord Mountbatten and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands were once guests at Necarne Castle.
In 1941 Necarne Castle was requisitioned by the United States Navy. It originally had 200 beds but was soon enlarged to a 500-bed institution and released to the American Army. The castle, then the 28th Station Hospital, cared for recuperating American soldiers and RAF personnel. After the war the castle was never inhabited again and fell to ruin.
Fermanagh District Council bought the Necarne Castle estate in 1981; and in 1988 The NI Department of Agriculture leased the estate on a 25-year basis from them. In the last decades the outbuildings of the castle have been used as a student facility for the Enniskillen Agricultural College as the Necarne Castle Equine College. Fermanagh & Omagh District Council began the search for a new operator for the estate in 2014 following the Agricultural College relocating their Equine Courses to Enniskillen.
Gardrum Holdings Ltd agreed a lease of the estate from 2020. The Estate is currently in use for myriad of different events, from showjumping to horse racing, to agricultural shows, to motor racing and much more. The park around Necarne Castle can freely be visited during daytime. The ruin of the castle itself is boarded up, so its interior cannot be visited.
To learn more about the Estate and the upcoming events: link https://www.castleirvine.com/
The Facilities
Castle Irvine Estate is set on beautiful grounds with the newly refurbished accommodation located in the Courtyard. There is an arena, stables, event space and extensive grounds. Please be aware that there are no food facilities in the estate itself, unless there is an event on. If you are staying with us, the keys of your room must be collected from the reception desk at Mahon’s Hotel, Mill Street, Irvinestown. You are welcome to enjoy a cooked to order breakfast with a wide range of choices in the hotel on the morning/s of your stay. Please make the reception staff aware if you would like to join us for breakfast.
Mahon’s Hotel is open 12pm-3pm Monday-Sunday for lunch and 3pm-9pm Sunday to Monday for dinner, with extended dinner times Friday and Saturday to 9.30pm. If you’d like to join us for food, it is best to book at the weekends as it can be very busy. During event times Mahon’s Hotel provide food at Castle Irvine Estate itself. If you would like to know exactly when they are serving food please do not hesitate to enquire with our reception staff.
BEST RATE GUARANTEE
Book Direct With Us
FREE CACELLATION
Cancel up to 72 hours In advance for full refund
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS
Tea & Coffee facilities, Free Wifi and Parking
GREAT LOCATION
Easy access to shops, lakeside walks & attractions