Stabilisation works underway at Castle Irvine 

11th November 2021

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Works are now underway to stabilise and repair the walls of Castle Irvine in the Necarne Demesne, Irvinestown.

Castle Irvine, also known as Necarne Castle, dates back to the 17th century and is under the care of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Like other county towns, Irvinestown has its origins in the Plantation period. The land was sold to Sir Gerald Lowther with the name, Lowtherstown, (now Irvinestown), given to the new village at Neckarney.

Castle Irvine and the surrounding estates were later sold to Sir Christopher Irvine in 1668, hence the name Castle Irvine.

Speaking about the stabilisation works, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, said:

“The Castle, as we know it today, bears evidence of significant renovations in 1831 by Judge D’Arcy.  In its heyday, I understand it was architecturally magnificent, a Tudor Gothic building with a classical interior. Such beauty deserves to be conserved and maintained.

The Council continues to investigate longer term options for Castle Irvine with the key ambition to redevelop the Castle for wider use within the local community; ensuring its legacy in terms of its heritage value.  These works will ensure the structure is stabilised and preserved so the Castle may be accessible for future generations.”

Stabilisation works are being undertaken by local contractor, McCusker Contracts from Dromore and supported by specialist conservation architects and engineers from Consarc and Mann Williams.

It is anticipated that the work will last approximately five months however this may be subject to change depending on findings from the detailed survey which will be undertaken as part of stabilisation works.

Castle Irvine Estate remains open during all works to the Castle, with disruption kept to a minimum.