Cole's Monument, Forthill Park

What you climb and what you see at the top

The 108 spiral steps wind up the inside of the column to a small viewing platform near the statue. From there you look out over the rooftops of Enniskillen, the loops of the River Erne that make it an island town, and out across the Fermanagh Lakelands. The guides cover Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole, the history of Camomile Hill on which the park sits, and the story of Mr Stanley Spencer's balloon flight from the park. The campaigns Cole fought in are carved into the sides of the monument at ground level, so it is worth a look even if you are not climbing.

Free park 1857 Doric column Climb 108 steps Erne and Lakeland views Guided tour Central Enniskillen

Good to know before you go:

The Atop Cole's Monument guided climb is itself a seasonal event programme run by Enniskillen Castle each summer, alongside the castle's own museum events, tours and family activities. Dates and times change year to year, so check what is on before you travel.

What to bring

👟Sturdy shoesRuins mean uneven ground, worn steps and the odd spiral stair.

🧥A coatMost of it is open to the sky, so dress for the day and enjoy the fresh air.

📷A cameraThe old stonework and the views are the whole point — you will want photos.

💧Water and a snackFew ruins have a café right on site, so bring a little something.

Everything before you go

Getting in

Forthill Park is free and open to the public. The climb up the monument is by booked guided tour through Enniskillen Castle; check the current price when you book.

Opening

Park open daily. Climb tours run Saturdays and Sundays, early June to end of September, from 2pm with the last tour around 4.30pm.

Can you go inside

Yes, on the guided tour only. The 108 spiral steps take you up inside the column to a viewing platform.

Food

None on site. Cafes, pubs and restaurants are a short walk away in central Enniskillen.

Dogs

Welcome in the park on a lead. Dogs cannot go up the monument tour; check with staff before you go.

Parking

On-street and public car parks in central Enniskillen, a short walk from the park.

Accessibility

The park has level paths and open ground. The monument climb is 108 narrow spiral stone steps with no lift, so it is not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone who struggles with steep, tight stairs.

How long to allow

The climb tour is about 20 minutes; allow an hour or so to enjoy the park as well.

Address

Forthill Park, Forthill Street, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74. Book the climb via Enniskillen Castle, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen BT74 7HL.

Questions

Before you go

Is it free to visit?

Forthill Park is free and open to the public. The climb up the monument is by booked guided tour through Enniskillen Castle; check the current price when you book.

Can you go inside?

Yes, on the guided tour only. The 108 spiral steps take you up inside the column to a viewing platform.

When is it open?

Park open daily. Climb tours run Saturdays and Sundays, early June to end of September, from 2pm with the last tour around 4.30pm.

Can I bring the dog?

Welcome in the park on a lead. Dogs cannot go up the monument tour; check with staff before you go.

Where do I park?

On-street and public car parks in central Enniskillen, a short walk from the park.

Getting there

Cole's Monument, Forthill Park is at Forthill Park, Forthill Street, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74. Book the climb via Enniskillen Castle, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen BT74 7HL.. On-street and public car parks in central Enniskillen, a short walk from the park. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google Maps Official website See it on our map

Nearby

Make more of the day

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The story

The story of Cole's Monument

The hill in Forthill Park was once known as Camomile Hill. In 1689 the Governor of Enniskillen, Gustavus Hamilton, ordered a fort of sods to be raised here during the Williamite wars, and it is from that earthwork that 'Forthill' takes its name.

The monument itself honours General the Honourable Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole, a soldier who distinguished himself in the Peninsular War against Napoleon's forces and later served as Governor of Cape Colony in southern Africa. He fought in the West Indies, at Martinique and Guadeloupe, and the names of his campaigns are engraved on the sides of the column.

The first stone was laid on 5 June 1845, but the monument was not finished until 1857. It takes the form of a tall Doric column crowned by a statue of Cole, the figure carved by the sculptor Terence Farrell. The architect's name has not survived.

Today the column stands as one of Enniskillen's landmarks, with 108 spiral steps inside leading to the viewing platform. The park around it is a free public pleasure park, and the climb has become a popular summer attraction run through Enniskillen Castle.