Castle Balfour, 17th-century castle in Lisnaskea, Northern Ireland
Castle Balfour is a 17th-century fortified structure in Lisnaskea that follows a T-shaped plan with rectangular blocks and square wings on its east and west sides. The remaining ruins contain vaulted rooms, a kitchen with a working fireplace, residential spaces on the first floor, and defensive features such as gun loops.
The castle was built around 1618 by James Balfour during the Plantation of Ulster, an important period of colonial settlement in the region. The structure was later modified and damaged during the turbulent decades that followed.
The castle stands near an ancient ringfort, demonstrating how this location held significance across different periods and populations. The proximity of these two structures shows how people chose to occupy and develop this same piece of land over many centuries.
The site is best explored on foot, allowing visitors to view the ruins from different angles and approach the structure safely. Be prepared for uneven ground and some sections that are partially ruined, which may limit access to certain areas.
The castle lost its residents following a major fire in the early 1800s that severely damaged the building and ended regular habitation. This catastrophic event left behind the ruins that visitors encounter today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
