The Northwest —
County Leitrim

Photos: Parke's Castle courtyard includes a wishing well; passengers on board the Rose of Innisfree Tourboat on Lough Gill; and 17th century Parke's Castle.

Parke's Castle, Fivemile Bourne, Co. Leitrim (tel. 071-916-4149), sits in a sheltered lakeside location on the northeast side of Lough Gill and is part of the celebrated Lough Gill Drive. A fine example of a 17th century fortified manor house, this castle was named after the English family who gained possession of the land during the 1620 Plantation of Ulster. Highlights of the castle include an Irish oak interior, diamond-shaped chimney, mullioned windows, parapets, and a courtyard that predates the castle with a cluster of old stone buildings and a wishing well. A tour includes an audio-visual on the story of the building plus a series of colorful exhibits. Open April-September, daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or later. Web site: www.heritageireland.ie

Rose of Innisfree Tourboat, Park's Castle Dock, Fivemile Bourne, Co. Leitrim, offers the ideal way to view Lough Gill and the storied Lake Isle of Inishfree — via a one-hour glass-enclosed boat cruise. The boat captain provides a live commentary and recites Yeats poems along the route. Departures are from Parke's Castle, seven miles east of Sligo Town. Easter-October, at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. 60 mins. For reservations and information, contact The Rose of Innisfree Tour Boat, tel. 071-916-4266 or mobile 087-259-8869. Web site: www.roseofinnisfree.com

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