Cole's Monument Forthill Park Enniskillen
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Forthill Park and Cole's Monument

4.1
·64 reviews·, United Kingdom

Ascend Cole's Monument for breathtaking panoramic views of Enniskillen and its historic landscapes. A rewarding climb with rich local history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, late morning

Monument tours often available

CrowdMedium
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Cole's Monument Forthill Park Enniskillen

Forthill Park and Cole's Monument

Best Time

Weekends, late morning

Monument tours often available

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend Cole's Monument for breathtaking panoramic views of Enniskillen and its historic landscapes. A rewarding climb with rich local history.

4.1
(64 reviews)

"The view from the top was fabulous. Well worth a visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to the monument is a steep hill, and the spiral staircase inside is quite a climb. :athletic_shoe:

📅 Check Monument Tour Times

Access to the top of Cole's Monument is usually via guided tours. Confirm availability beforehand. :ticket:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cole's Monument Summit

Cole's Monument Summit

Top of Cole's Monument

Ascend the spiral staircase for breathtaking 360-degree views of Enniskillen and its surroundings.

Panoramic Enniskillen Views

Panoramic Enniskillen Views

Forthill Park

Enjoy sweeping vistas of Enniskillen town, the indigenous Maguire Chieftain territory, and the Ulster plantation landscape.

Victorian Bandstand

Victorian Bandstand

Forthill Park

An impressive classic Victorian bandstand complements the monument, adding to the park's charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

Forthill Park offers stunning panoramic views of Enniskillen. To truly appreciate the scenery and potentially access the top of Cole's Monument, check opening times for guided visits. The climb can be steep, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Understanding the Monument's Access

Cole's Monument provides incredible vistas, but access to the top is often via guided tours. These tours involve a steep spiral staircase, so it's not ideal for those with a fear of heights. Confirm tour availability before your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekends, late morning
Why
Monument tours often available
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter park experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It’s not often we’re speechless 😱 🕺🏻 - @jordan_mcpolin15 💃🏼 - @Michaela Harper #irishbar #irishpub #charliesbar #charliesbarenniskillen #enniskillen #cofermanagh #irelandfyp #northernireland #bestirishbars #jive #jivinfam #jivingsong #jivingtothebeat #jivingbuddies #jiving #jivedance #jivingym
@charliesbarenniskillen
118.8K likes • 3.2M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to the monument is a steep hill, and the spiral staircase inside is quite a climb. :athletic_shoe:

📅 Check Monument Tour Times

Access to the top of Cole's Monument is usually via guided tours. Confirm availability beforehand. :ticket:

Original song we wrote last month called, “Take Me Home” From Enniskillen Castle County Fermanagh 🟩⬜️
@the_tumbling_paddies
10.7K likes • 171.9K views
Exploring Enniskillens Leisure Centre Before Demolition #urbex #abandoned #explore #abandonedplaces
@jamierob2
7.5K likes • 137.7K views

⬆️ Not for Fear of Heights

The spiral staircase inside the monument can be dizzying. Views from the top are amazing but require comfort with heights. :warning:

🌳 Enjoy the Park's Serenity

Even without monument access, the park offers beautiful surroundings and a peaceful escape. :park:

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to the monument is a steep hill, and the spiral staircase inside is quite a climb. :athletic_shoe:

📅 Check Monument Tour Times

Access to the top of Cole's Monument is usually via guided tours. Confirm availability beforehand. :ticket:

⬆️ Not for Fear of Heights

The spiral staircase inside the monument can be dizzying. Views from the top are amazing but require comfort with heights. :warning:

🌳 Enjoy the Park's Serenity

Even without monument access, the park offers beautiful surroundings and a peaceful escape. :park:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(64 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views from Cole's Monument, calling them 'fabulous' and 'worth it.' The knowledgeable guides enhance the historical insights into Enniskillen and its surroundings. While the steep climb is noted, most find it manageable and the reward from the top is highly appreciated. Some mention limited facilities and the need to check monument access times.

"Great views of Enniskillen town and the indigenous Maguire Chieftain territory before colonisation and the Ulster plantation. Brilliant insight into local history from Frank who brought us up - well worth a visit. The council really should utilise this park for more."

CIARÁN MULHOLLAND

"Quiet little place, very beautiful surroundings"

Ally Mitchell

"Lovely place, it's a bit of a steep hill to the top but if you're half fit it be easy and if you're fortunate enough the monument could be open, when inside the monument it's a steep spiral staircase to the top which you can get a bit dizzy with, but the few from the top is worth it, not for anyone scared of heights 😆"

jb.mcneill Mcneill

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views
Knowledgeable historical guides
Impressive monument structure

What People Dislike

Steep spiral staircase
Limited park facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Forthill Park is located in Enniskillen. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is a common method. Parking availability should be considered, especially during peak times. :car:

Information on direct public transport routes to Forthill Park is limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for Enniskillen and be prepared for a walk or taxi from the town center. :bus:

Cole's Monument is situated within Forthill Park. It's a noticeable landmark, and a walk from the town center is feasible, though it involves an uphill climb. :walking:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Forthill Park itself is generally accessible without an entrance fee. However, access to the top of Cole's Monument is typically via guided tours, which may have a fee. :ticket:

The opening hours for Cole's Monument, particularly for guided tours to the top, can vary. It's best to check with local tourist information or the park authorities for the most up-to-date schedule. :clock:

Yes, guided visits to the top of Cole's Monument are often available and highly recommended for historical insights and the best views. Confirm tour times in advance. :guide_dog:

Forthill Park is typically free to enter, allowing visitors to enjoy the grounds and the exterior of Cole's Monument. :moneywithwings:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Forthill Park features Cole's Monument, a Victorian bandstand, and offers beautiful panoramic views of Enniskillen. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and historical appreciation. :camerawithflash:

The climb involves a steep spiral staircase inside the monument. While rewarding, it's not recommended for those with a fear of heights or significant mobility issues. :runner:

From the top, you'll get stunning 360-degree views of Enniskillen town, Lough Erne, and the surrounding countryside. It's a fantastic photo opportunity. :mountain_cableway:

Information on specific facilities like restrooms within Forthill Park can be limited. It's advisable to use facilities in Enniskillen town before heading up to the park. :toilet:

The park's beautiful surroundings make it a pleasant spot for a picnic. Enjoy the scenic views while you relax. :sandwich:

📸 📸 Photography

The summit of Cole's Monument offers unparalleled panoramic shots of Enniskillen. The park itself provides lovely framing for the monument and scenic landscapes. :camera:

Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photographs of the monument and the town. Midday offers clear, bright views from the top. :sunriseovermountains:

Photography inside the narrow spiral staircase of Cole's Monument might be challenging due to space and lighting. The views from the top are the primary photographic draw. :iphone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Forthill Park offers a great outdoor space for families to explore. While the climb up Cole's Monument might be challenging for very young children or those with a fear of heights, the park itself provides open areas for kids to run around. The historical aspect of the monument can be a fun learning opportunity, especially if a guided tour is available. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities might be limited. :child:

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers

For those who enjoy a bit of a challenge, the walk up to Cole's Monument and the subsequent climb up the spiral staircase are rewarding. The park offers a good opportunity for a brisk walk with scenic rewards. Comfortable footwear is essential for navigating the inclines and stairs. The panoramic views from the top are a fantastic payoff for your efforts. :hiking_boot:

📸 Photography Buffs

Cole's Monument and Forthill Park are a photographer's dream. The monument itself is an imposing structure, and the views from the summit are spectacular, especially during golden hour. Capture sweeping landscapes of Enniskillen, Lough Erne, and the surrounding countryside. The Victorian bandstand also offers charming photographic opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Cole's Monument

Cole's Monument stands as a tribute to General Galbraith Lowry Cole, a significant figure in the region's history. The monument itself is an impressive structure, often described as a classic Victorian bandstand complementing its grandeur. It offers a tangible link to the past, providing insights into the area's historical context, including the indigenous Maguire Chieftain territory and the subsequent Ulster plantation. Visitors often praise the knowledgeable guides who bring this history to life, making the visit more than just a scenic outing.

The climb to the top is a key part of the experience, involving a steep spiral staircase. While this can be challenging for some, the reward is unparalleled panoramic views of Enniskillen and its picturesque surroundings. This ascent is frequently mentioned in reviews as being well worth the effort for the breathtaking vistas it provides. The combination of historical narrative and stunning scenery makes Cole's Monument a unique attraction.

Forthill Park, the setting for the monument, is also noted for its beauty. It provides a tranquil environment to explore, with the bandstand adding to its charm. The park is a place where visitors can appreciate both the historical significance of the monument and the natural beauty of the Fermanagh landscape. It's a spot that resonates with those interested in local history and those simply seeking a beautiful viewpoint. Reddit

Experiencing the Views from the Top

The primary draw for many visitors to Cole's Monument is the spectacular view from its summit. After navigating the steep spiral staircase, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. This vantage point offers an unparalleled perspective of Enniskillen town, allowing you to trace its layout and appreciate its setting. The views extend to the surrounding waterways, including Lough Erne, and the historical landscape shaped by centuries of settlement and the Ulster plantation.

Travelers consistently highlight the 'fabulous' and 'worth it' views from the top. It's an ideal location for photography enthusiasts, offering ample opportunities to capture the essence of Enniskillen from a unique aerial perspective. The clarity of the views can depend on weather conditions, but even on a slightly overcast day, the expansive scenery is impressive. It's a moment that truly connects you with the geography and history of the area.

It's important to note that the experience at the top is best enjoyed when the monument is open for guided visits. These tours not only grant access but also provide context about what you're seeing. The combination of the physical ascent and the visual reward makes reaching the summit of Cole's Monument a memorable part of any visit to Forthill Park. Reddit