Enniskillen’s oldest building, which has been closed since December 2007 for refurbishment, is reopening to locals for sneak previews of its new displays throughout August. It is due to officially reopen in September.
The Castle Keep at Enniskillen houses exhibits related to the building’s history as both medieval stronghold of the Maguires and later, from the 17th century, barracks and headquarters for the Inniskilling regiments.
The ground floor houses the history of the Maguires and tells the story of the foundation of the castle on the banks of the River Erne over 600 years ago.
The regimental museum is on the first floor and contains items dating back to 1689 when the regiments were founded.
Those who have already been along to see the results of the eight-month project, funded by a range of local and national bodies and private donations, have been encouraged to give staff feedback about how they think it is taking shape. So far, visitors have given the new-look museums good reviews.
Anne Jackson, who took her family along to see the Medieval Maguires exhibits, said: “I used to think this was a military site only. Now I can see that its history goes much further back.”
Of particular interest to her family were the vaults at the bottom of the keep, the oldest parts of the castle. “It’s easier to see the old vaults now,” she said. “It’s funny, there’s less on display than before but now we can really see what is here.”
