Castle exhibitions
Inside the walls, exhibits tell the story of the O'Rourke and Parke families and 16th-17th century life. Look for the Parke family living room with its mouse trap and footwarmer, and the scale model of the 1980s restoration.
Parke's Castle
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About
A restored 17th-century plantation castle on the northern shore of Lough Gill, rebuilt in Irish oak and set in a quiet lakeside garden. Once home to English planter Robert Parke, it stands on the site of an earlier tower house of Sir Brian O'Rourke.
Things to Do
Banqueting Hall
The atmospheric Banqueting Hall is the guides' favourite room and hosts music recitals, harp performances and workshops during Heritage Week.
Wall walk and lake views
Climb to the wall walk, look out over the battlements and take in the sweep of Lough Gill. Sunset gives the finest silhouette over the water.
Courtyard, forge and vernacular buildings
Explore the courtyard and the exhibition of vernacular buildings of Ireland's north-west, including a thatched blacksmith's forge with horse and donkey shoes and a bellows over 100 years old.
Lakeside garden and picnic
Stroll the garden, see the old sweathouse, and bring a picnic to eat overlooking the lake. A short film, 'Stone by Stone', introduces the region's heritage in four languages.
Visitor centre and guided tour
Start at the visitor centre, where guides give orientation and maps for the region. Tours are available on request, or take a self-guided leaflet; admire the left-handed spiral staircase built of Irish oak around the core of a single oak tree.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open 14 March – November 2026. March–October: daily 10:00–18:00, last admission 17:15. October–November: daily 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:00.
- Admission: Adult €5.00, senior €4.00, student/child €3.00, family €13.00, group rate €4.00
- Parking: Free car park on site, with coach parking and bicycle parking also provided.
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