Further details:The Crom Estate is situated on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, in County Fermanagh, surrounded by the glistening water of Lough Erne.
Set amidst a wonderful collection of peaceful islands, ancient woodlands and historic ruins, Crom is an ideal retreat for anyone wanting to get away from the stress of everyday life.
The Estate has been meticulously looked after by The National Trust since 1987.
The 1,900 acre estate includes one of the largest surviving areas of oak woodland in Ireland, and one of the most important, and least spoilt, freshwater habitats in the British Isles.
The wealth of wildlife includes two rare butterflies (the purple hair-streak and wood white), the elusive pine marten and the largest heronry in Ireland. An exhibition on the history and wildlife of the Crom Estate can be seen at the Visitor's Centre.
In May and June each year a walk through the magical Culliagh Wood, with the flowering Rhododendrons, is an experience not to be missed.
The 24 acre Deer park has a small heard of of Fallow deer which were reintroduced by the present Earl of Erne in the 1970s; having disappeared during the Second World War.
In other parts of the estate both cattle and sheep can be seen grazing contently.
Many fine old buildings enhance the landscape including, the the Old Castle ruin, the Crichton Tower on Gad Island, the Turf House, and Crom Church.
Also the Victorian Boat House, which was the first Lough Erne Yacht Club, and the Tea House at the edge of the lough, where ladies and guests took their afternoon tea.
The present Crom Castle, built for the 3rd Earl of Erne in the 1830s, was designed by Edward Blore, who also designed sections of Buckingham Palace. Built of local limestone, that changes color with the weather, this neo Tudor castle, with its battlements and turrets, sits magnificently above the lacustrine landscape.
The Castle is privately owned by the Crichton family, Earls of Erne, and is not open to the public
