Welcome to Irvinestown

Welcome to Irvinestown. . , The town takes its name from the Irvine family who were the landlords of the district and came from Bonshaw in Scotland in the 17th century. They lived at Castle Irvine which today is known as Necarne Castle. The town was first known as Lowtherstown but in the 1860's its name was changed to Irvinestown. It is the third largest town in Fermanagh with a population of 2,244. It is famous for its wide Main Street and ample parking facilities. The town is proud of its vision, innovation and commitment to community life which has been inspired by a group of townsfolk, 7 Protestants and 7 Roman Catholics who came together in 1908 to form the Fairs and Market Trustees. During the Second World War the town was host to hundreds of Allied airforce men and women who were stationed at Castle Archdale and Killadeas., Necarne Castle and the Ulster Lakeland Equestrian Park , Necarne Castle, once known as Castle Irvine, is within walking distance of the town. Today it is only a shell of its former self and it is hard to believe it was once the centre of social activity for the area. During the Second World War the Americans and RAF used it as a military hospital. It is home to the Ulster Lakeland Equestrian Park with its state of the art indoor arena and walled garden where dressage events take place. Equestrian competitions are held throughout the year. Those who love quiet uninterrupted walks will be spoiled for choice in the 200 acres of rolling pastureland and wooded glades., Town Clock and Graveyard , The town clock at the southern end of the Main Street stands over the town. It is the only remnant from an earlier 17th century church and the inscription stone over the doorway records: "In the year of our Lord 1734, this church was rebuilt and the steeple erected. Pat Delany, DD Rector". The Millennium light shining through the four louvered windows is a reminder of the role young people play in the life of the town. The adjoining graveyard has been tastefully refurbished with wheelchair access being added. This is a community graveyard and headstones showing the skill of earlier stonemasons date back to the end of the 17th century. Wrought iron gates at the entrance reflect the workings of the clock. Further information available at the local library., Bishop's Stone - Killadeas Graveyard , In this Church of Ireland graveyard there is an interesting sculptured stone which probably dates back to either the ninth, tenth, or possibly eleventh century. It is known as the Bishop's Stone and is carved on its west side with a face and on its south side with an abbot or bishop carrying a crozier and bell. A stone nearby shows a carving of a small Greek cross., Lady of the Lake Statue , Each year in the month of July, the Lady of the Lake Festival commemorates a local legend of a beautiful mysterious woman surrounded by a light and gliding over the islands of Lough Erne and on her way passing Inishmacsaint, Inisgarve, Inisdoney, Inisclare and Inisglorraigh. Folklore said she was a sign of good times ahead and she carried in her hand a bunch of wild flowers. Locals and visitors alike are welcomed for this highlight of the town's festive calendar and all are assured of a time they will not forget. The statue at the junction of Pound and Bridge Street was designed by sculptor Philip Flanagan and was unveiled on the 18th December 1999 by Dr Aideen McGinley (Chief Executive of Fermanagh District Council)., Famine Graveyard , The Famine Graveyard situated in Reihill Park bears testimony to a time when hunger and famine stalked the land between 1845-1850. The solitary memorial stone reminds use [sic] of the many nameless paupers buried in this graveyard. The inscription stone 1841 was once over the doorway of Irvinestown Workhouse and now can be seen at the entrance to Reihill Park., The Natural Environment , Lower Lough Erne and its islands contain a variety of woodland and shoreline habitats and are home to four protected species notably the lapwing, curlaw, red shank and snipe., Other Sites of Interest [partial list] , Castle Archdale Country Park and World War II Flying Boat Base White Island, Devenish Island, Sheemuldoon Chambered Grave, Caldragh Janus Stone, Drumskinny Stone Circle, Ardess Famine Grave, Ardess Craft Centre, [?] Iron Age Graveyard, Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Graveyards , War graves of Allied Airforce men are located in these cemeteries. These were men who were based at Castle Archdale or Killadean during the Second World War (1939-1945) and they lost their lives whilst on operational duty flying Catalina and Sunderland flying boats., Other attractions for visitor: , Belleek Pottery, Castle Coole, Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, Ulster American Folk Park, Enniskillen Castle Museum., Thanks to the people of Irvinestown for their assistance in the production of this panel. (Illustrations by Dan Powell)