Located on the border between Cavan and Fermanagh, in the heart of the Cuilcagh Lakeland Geopark.
The story of Castle Saunderson is marked by fire and blood, conquest and division and finally, peace, reconciliation and multi-culturalism, with an international scouting centre opening adjacent to the castle in 2012.
In many ways, the story of Castle Saunderson is reflective of the story of the island of Ireland.
The development of the Castle Trail has seen the original walkways around the castle reinstated, and charts the history of the Sanderson’s, one of the most significant Anglo-Irish families, and in particular Colonel Edward Saunderson, known as the ‘Hero of the Loyalists’ and the founder of modern Irish Unionism.
While Col. Sanderson’s legacy has largely been forgotten, there is little doubt that he was a giant of 19th century Irish and British politics, and it hoped that this phase one investment in Castle Saunderson will attract visitors to the area, while acknowledging this family’s fascinating story, which takes in Brian Boru, William of Orange, and even infamous Nazi war criminals.
This exciting new addition to the Cavan tourism offering will provide overseas visitors with yet another reason to visit Cavan. The Castle is open from 9am – 5pm, Monday – Sunday.
The entrance to Castle Saunderson is shared with Castle Saunderson International Scouting Centre, located on the N54 just outside Cloverhill and Belturbet and only 18km from Cavan town.