Belle Isle Estate, Fermanagh

Belle Isle Estate is an exceptional mixed-use country estate situated in an outstandingly picturesque and ecologically important location on the banks of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. The principal residence at the core of the property is the castle, listed Grade B+ for its architectural and historic importance. 

Belle Isle Estate is steeped in rich history. Dating back to before the 15th century, it is where one of the most important historical articles of medieval Ireland was written, the Annals of Ulster. The Annals of Ulster were compiled by Cathal Og MacManus, Irish historian and chief of the MacManus clan, with this important manuscript remaining on the estate from circa 1632-1636. The MacManus clan were the earliest owners and occupiers of Belle Isle. 

The Flight of the Earls in 1607 allowed for the transfer of ownership to Paul Gore, as James I declared the estates of the refugee Earls forfeit. Paul Gore who had travelled to Ireland in circa 1598, as an Elizabethan soldier of fortune, was granted 1,000 acres in County Fermanagh including the island of Ballymacmanus (derived from the owner’s surname), the future Belle Isle.

Belle Isle Estate, as we know it today, first began solely as a private house which was renamed as Belle Isle and inhabited by Sir Ralph Gore, 4th Baronet around 1700, after his father had passed on possession. Sir Ralph Gore’s son, also named Sir Ralph Gore, was born in circa 1725 and is chiefly remembered for building Belle Isle Castle and significantly expanding the estate. With the assistance of Thomas Wright, he is remembered for overseeing the construction of the cottages, the tower, and the exquisite garden. When Sir Ralph Gore, 6th Bt, 1st and last Earl of Ross and Viscount Belleisle, died in circa 1801, the ownership of Belle Isle Estate was passed on to Lady Mary Hardinge, his only surviving child. Lady Hardinge left the estate to her nephew, The Rev Sir Charles Hardinge who in turn sold it to The Rev John Grey Porter of Kilskeery. His son, another John Porter, took up residence in Belle Isle at some point between 1839 and 1856, where he resided until his death in circa 1903. 

The last owner of Belle Isle from the Porter line was Miss Lavinia Baird. A new chapter for Belle Isle Estate began when Miss Baird sold the estate to the Duke of Abercorn in October 1991. Explore further of the estate here. 

The Old Coastguard, Sligo

The Old Coastguard Station is an imposing period property with a rich and varied history and boasts 300 metres of shoreline on an outstanding coastal site extending to circa 2.80 hectares.

The Old Coastguard Station was built in c. 1973 by the Office of Public Works, originally constructed to accommodate four boatmen and one officer with their families. The officer’s accommodation and offices were located at one end with the watchtower at the other. Given its location at the entrance of Ballisadare Bay, it was purposely positioned at this strategic location. This particular location was chosen because of a naturally occurring strip of beach which allowed easy access into the bay for launching and retrieval of the stations cutter (boat) from the boathouse and slipway. After a fire in c.1919, the Coastguard Station was left as a ruin with only the stone walls and masonry surviving until the 1960’s. 

It was then bought from the government by an Irish American Architect who restored both the watchtower and the officer’s accommodation at either end of the building. In the 1980’s, the property was then fully restored by a German hotelier who used the property as a holiday home. It was further renovated and refurbished in the mid 2000’s and now comes to market in excellent condition with most of the period features intact. 

Take a look inside here.

Lower Cruit, Donegal

Lower Cruit has an unrivalled position in the Northwest of Ireland with breath-taking views over the Atlantic Ocean. The setting is magnificent and with two beaches on the grounds, it is without doubt one of the finest waterfront opportunities to come to the market in a long time.

Owned by the one family since the 1800's, the main house was constructed in 1934 and comprises a 4-bed farmhouse over two floors with cosy accommodation and beautiful views.

There are also two derelict cottages on the property, that date back to pre-famine times and a beautiful piece of Irish heritage. 

Cruit Island itself is a beautiful small island with natural wildlife and amazing scenery. Cruit is one of the main islands of the Rosses and is one of only two inhabited islands: the other being Aranmore.

The island is connected to the mainland at Belcruit by a bridge, which was built at the time of World War II and is renowned for its spectacular scenery with panoramic views of the wild Atlantic. With Owey Island, Aranmore Island and Mount Errigal forming part of the scenery together with Cruit Island's golden beaches, the island is an exceptionally attractive and desirable part of Ireland.

Take in the wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way and Cruit Lower here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home with history, our team would love to speak to you. Contact them here.