Overview
Colebrooke Estate covers more than 1,000 acres of rolling parkland, mature woodland, and limestone riverbanks near Brookeborough and Maguiresbridge in County Fermanagh. Primarily a private family home and working sporting estate, it welcomes visitors seeking quiet countryside walks, high-standard self-catering accommodation, and access to one of Northern Ireland’s most productive coarse and game fishing waters. The landscape balances carefully managed grounds with wilder stretches, making it a reliable destination for birdwatchers, anglers, and heritage enthusiasts.
A Legacy of Georgian Grandeur
The Brooke family acquired the land in the 1640s following the 1641 rebellion, and the estate has remained in their hands ever since. By the late 18th century, the Post Chaise Companion (1786) already described Colebrooke as “a very fine and delightful seat.” Sir Henry Brooke later commissioned Dublin architect William Farrell to reshape the demesne starting in 1819. Farrell’s most enduring work is the Grade B listed Triumphal Arch Lodge, completed around 1830. Built of yellow ashlar sandstone with a triple-arched gateway and Tuscan pilasters, it was designed to stage an impressive approach to the main house. The Irish Landmark Trust recently restored the lodge to its former symmetry and stonework, converting it into a four-person holiday let.
The estate’s long tenure produced several notable public figures, including Field Marshal Viscount Alan Brooke and Northern Ireland Prime Minister Basil Brooke (1943–1963). Today, the family continues to balance heritage conservation with active land management, preserving the Georgian layout while maintaining working fields, deer pastures, and riverside habitats.
The Colebrooke River & Angling
Known in Irish as An Abha Dhubh, the Colebrooke River rises in the Sliabh Beagh mountains – locally called the Many Burns – and flows south-west through Maguiresbridge before joining the Tempo River and Upper Lough Erne. The river carries a quiet piece of Irish geological history: in 1816, the Brookeborough Diamond, Ireland’s only documented gem-quality diamond, was recovered from its bed. A 2019 prospecting licence later identified trace chromite in the surrounding stream sediments, hinting at the area’s mineral past.
For anglers, the estate’s three-mile private stretch is highly regarded. The water holds healthy stocks of brown trout, often reaching 10 lb, alongside large pike that regularly test the 4–10 lb range, with a recorded 20 lb specimen caught nearby. Autumn brings salmon moving from Lough Erne toward spawning grounds, while coarse fishermen target bream, roach, perch, and rudd throughout the warmer months. All fishing on the private water requires a permit, which is arranged through the estate’s sporting office. Equipment can be hired in Lisnaskea, roughly a 15-minute drive away.
Wildlife & Walking Trails
The estate’s mix of open parkland, forest drives, and river margins supports a steady population of native wildlife. Red deer graze the fields year-round, while otters, mink, red squirrels, and pine martens use the hedgerows and woodlands as cover. The river attracts kingfishers, dippers, and buzzards, with migrating waders appearing in autumn. Purpose-built hides are positioned along key viewing spots and include binocular stands for comfortable observation.
Walking routes follow limestone banks past a historic iron bridge, through a sunken garden, and into quiet forest tracks. Guests are encouraged to explore off-track where safe, but must keep dogs on leads and close all gates to protect livestock and deer. The estate also maintains a gym for guest use and offers quiet lanes suitable for jogging and family cycling. A walled kitchen garden, managed by the estate’s head gardener, produces seasonal vegetable boxes available for purchase by arrangement.
Staying on the Estate
Colebrooke offers a selection of five-star self-catering properties, each restored to high standards while retaining period character:
- Whitehill Cottage – Sleeps 4. A sensitively restored former workers’ cottage with en-suite bathrooms, a private garden, and direct views of deer grazing.
- Woodcock Corner – Sleeps 6. Features two double rooms and a twin, all en-suite, plus an open-plan living area with a wood burner and a large patio for outdoor dining.
- Triumphal Arch Lodge – Sleeps 4. The restored neo-Classical gatelodge offers historic ambience alongside modern comforts.
- Ashbrooke House – Sleeps 16. A Georgian residence recently refreshed by interior designer Amanda Brooke, ideal for large family gatherings or group retreats.
Bookings are handled directly through the estate’s holiday cottage website. The Triumphal Arch Lodge also participates in European Heritage Open Days, typically opening for free public viewing in mid-September.
Practical Information
- Location: Colebrooke Park Road, Brookeborough, County Fermanagh. Access is via the A4, with the main entrance just off the Brookeborough–Maguiresbridge turn-off.
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available at the main house and beside the Triumphal Arch Lodge.
- Booking & Contact: Cottage reservations are made via colebrookecottages.com. Fishing permits, sporting activities, and corporate enquiries should be directed to the estate office at colebrooke.info or by calling +44 (0) 28 9082 3207.
- Opening Times: The estate operates year-round for accommodation and fishing. Public access to the Triumphal Arch Lodge is limited to scheduled heritage open days and private bookings.
- Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome on walks but must be kept on leads at all times and gates must be closed behind you.
Nearby Attractions
A short drive from Colebrooke opens up several of Fermanagh’s cultural and natural highlights:
- Castle Coole – An 18th-century Palladian house set in extensive parkland with a renowned library.
- Castle Balfour – A 17th-century castle ruin in nearby Lisnaskea, displaying Scottish plantation-style architecture.
- Florence Court – A grand 18th-century Georgian house and forest park managed by the National Trust, located about 25 km away.
- Cladagh Glen – A sheltered woodland walk with ancient oak trees, a small waterfall, and peaceful forest trails.
- Brookeborough – The namesake village, offering local pubs, craft shops, and a quiet market-town atmosphere.
Plan your visit around the salmon run in late autumn or book a cottage in spring to coincide with the estate’s deer stalking season. Fishing permits and cottage availability fill quickly during peak weekends, so secure your dates and water access through the estate office at least a month in advance.