About
Enjoy free entry to many of our special places on Saturday 9 September as part of the 2023 European Heritage Open Days. As a conservation charity, we play a huge role in the protection and preservation of coast, countryside, mansions and gardens in Northern Ireland. We love how European Heritage Open Days help encourage more people to enjoy our rich and varied historic environment. Spending the day at one of our special places is the perfect way to uncover your local history and embark on a journey of cultural discovery. You’ll see what our wonderful conservation work achieves and hopefully be inspired to become a valued member.
The 2,000 acres of parkland at Crom lie beside the shores of Upper Lough Erne, an ancient landscape which includes the ruins of the old castle. Home to a variety of plants and animals, the diversity of habitats makes Crom an important conservation site. The old castle at Crom was built in the early 17th century by a Scottish planter, Michael Balfour. The castle survived two sieges by the Jacobites in 1689, but accidentally burnt down in 1764. In the 19th century additional walls and towers were added to the ruins of the old castle for romantic effect. Today, the ruins are a secluded monument. Close to the castle ruins are Crom’s famous Yew Trees. They are a conjoined pair of a male and female yew, with a combined circumference of 377 feet (115m) and a diameter of 115 feet (35m). They have been named among Britain's 50 greatest trees. The earliest known reference to the tree is from 1739, when it was described as an already venerable tree. Ireland has very little native broadleaved woodland remaining but Crom is home to a large portion of it. The woodland is dominated by oak trees, which are known to support the greatest diversity of life in terms of lichens, mosses, invertebrates and even birds and mammals.
Crom and Lough Erne itself, are celebrated for its peace, tranquillity, beauty and above all its wildlife.
