Florence Court
County Fermanagh BT74 6JY
Tel: (+44) 01365 348249
 Situated
amongst the mountains and forests of West Fermanagh, Florence Court is
a fascinating example of mid-18th century Irish Palladian architecture.
The present house, the former home of the Earls of Enniskillen, was
started by John Cole and completed around 1775. It was named after Florence,
his wife.
One of the chief glories of Florence Court is the exceptional embellished
rococo plasterwork, seen at its best at the top of the stairs and in
the dining room. This probably dates from 1755 and is in the style of
Robert West, Dublin's leading 18th century stuccodore.
The house contains fine Irish furniture including an 18th century rococo
armchair in the library, an Irish writing cabinet which dates from 1730
and an unusual 18th century bed.
The house is surrounded by a large area of parkland, garden and woodland
including the recently restored walled garden where the pink and white
roses are especially attractive in early summer.
 Florence
Court's most notable tree, the Irish Yew, grows in a much wilder part
of the estate. This is the aged mother of all the Irish Yews. The original
was one of two found in the Fermanagh hills in the 1740s.
The Pleasure Grounds boast several interesting features such as the
recently restored water-powered sawmill, an ice house and the summer
house, which was rebuilt in 1993 as a replica of the original which stood
here until World War I.
There are outstanding views over surrounding mountains; the adjoining
Forest Park has excellent walks.
Florence Court has a shop and tea-room, and with two other beautiful
National Trust properties in the county, Fermanagh really has a lot to
offer to both the holiday maker and the day visitor.
 Opening
Arrangements:
Open: April & September:
Sundays & Bank Holidays: 1pm - 6pm
Easter (Good Friday tpo Easter Tuesday): Daily 1pm - 6pm
May - August: Daily except Teusdays 1pm - 6pm
Estate opened all year round, 10.00am - one hour before dusk.
How to get there:
8 miles SW of Enniskillen, via A4 Sligo Road and A32 Swanlinbar Road,
4 miles from Marble Arch Caves.
|
