https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/castle-saunderson/
Castle Saunderson is set in the heart of the Geopark. The story of Castle Saunderson is marked by fire and blood, conquest and division, and finally, peace, reconciliation and multiculturalism! In many ways, the story of Castle Saunderson is reflective of the story of the island of Ireland and it’s colourful history.
An international Scouting Centre opened adjacent to the castle in 2012. The centre has delivered many programmes that are in line with the Messengers of Peace programme (MoP), which is an initiative set up by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, with the aim to make the world a more peaceful place.
Facilities: car parking, interpretation and walking trails.
Note: Castle Saunderson should be accessed though the Scout Centre Entrance to the Forest as identified on Google Maps
Castle Saunderson
The Castle Trail has seen the original walkways around the castle reinstated, and charts the history of the Saundersons, one of the most significant Anglo-Irish families, and in particular Colonel Edward Saunderson, known as the ‘Hero of the Loyalists’ and the founder of modern Irish Unionism. As you walk around, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of the building and the events related to it. The trail is lined with information panels, and makes for an educational, as well as relaxing and beautiful walk.
This Castle was acquired by the Saunderson family during the plantations of Ulster. It was originally inhabited by the O-Reilly clan, and was originally named “Breffni Castle”. Robert Sanderson, who fought alongside William of Orange, inherited the castle from his father in 1676. It was after this that James II and his troops burned the castle, in 1689. The present castle dates to 1840, and was again, tragically burned in 1990.
The Castle Trail has seen the original walkways around the castle reinstated. The trail charts the history of the Saundersons, one of the most significant Anglo-Irish families, and in particular, Colonel Edward Saunderson, known as the ‘Hero of the Loyalists’ and the founder of modern Irish Unionism. Edward’s family’s story is fascinating and includes Brian Boru, William of Orange, and even infamous Nazi war criminals.
Along the north-eastern side of the castle, you’ll find the River Finn flowing, where it enters a channel of upper Lough Erne. Because the River Finn is tributary to the River Foyle, it is included as an Area of Special Scientific Interest, (ASSI). This is due to the richness of it’s plant and animal life, and the diversity and beauty of it’s natural banks.
Cornagee, Cavan
Cornagee translates from Irish as ‘rounded windy hill’ and on many days of the y...
Belturbet, Cavan
Turbet island and the Motte and Bailey is a wonderful place to go for a relaxing...
Altachullion Lower, Cavan
A great opportunity to see contrasting and diverse views, as well as a rare chan...
Tullydermot, Cavan
This picturesque waterfall enjoys easy access and is situated under the shadow o...
Ballyconnell, Cavan
The Woodford Canal, also known as the Shannon-Erne Waterway, flows through Bally...
Glangevlin, Cavan
An opportunity to escape from the stresses of modern life into a paradise of tra...
Drumalane, Cavan
An intriguing monastic site of Drumlane includes an abbey, a monastery and a rem...
Enniskillen, Fermanagh
Here you’ll find a view of hundreds of miles of forest, bogland and fields in ev...
Distances are from Castle Saunderson
This is a cooperation project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.
This element of the project is part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cavan County Council, Breffni Integrated CLG, Department of Rural and Community Development, the EU and EAFRD in part-funding this project. Funded by the Irish Government Under the Leader Programme 2014-2020.
