By: Tracey Manailescu
Picture from: www.virtualvisit-northernireland.com
Crom Castle is the one I can't stop dreaming of...Literally, 5 out of 8 nights since I have returned (at the time I wrote this) this castle has taken over my dreams. Not that I mind! It is a truly magical place, right out of a fairytale.
It has everything a true romantic (like me) wants:
- History
- Royalty
- Ruins
- Buried treasure
- Fairies
History:
The original Crom house was built in the early 17th century (1611 to be exact) by Michael Balfour. It burned down in 1764 (word has it that a maid walking with a candle upstairs, caused the fire). Crom had survived two sieges prior to the accidental fire that destroyed it. Apparently there is only one picture remaining of the original castle.
Royalty:
The castle was home to many war heroes. The Earl of Erne who inherited the castle at the age of three (after the death of his father and grandfather) still lives on-site with his wife today. His son, Viscount Crichton owns the West Wing, which can be rented out for personal use by the public such as families, honeymooners and anyone in need of peaceful solitude.
Ruins:
The foundation ruins of the original castle still stand, and were embellished upon in the 1830's with ruined walls and towers. Wedding couples now flock to this area for their photos.
Buried Treasure:
It is said that treasure was buried under an old oak tree in 1689 when one of the sieges took place on the castle. However, don't try to dig it up because it has a "Blood Curse" on it from the Fairies (wee folk).
Fairies:
"According to local legend, Fermanagh was once a vast plain with a Fairy Well in the middle. The well was always kept covered from sunlight to prevent it from bubbling over. One day two young lovers met by the well and decided to elope. They drank a last toast from the well and ran off together, leaving it uncovered. The Fairy Well has bubbled ceaselessly for centuries and that is how the Fermanagh Lakelands were formed." Source: www.tourismresources.ie
Also, there is a Fairy Stone and Tree that you can make a wish when you sit on it. I did! Strange thing was, the wish I thought I had wanted for so long, didn't seem so important once I sat down...
Fairy Stone and Tree
We had the pleasure of staying overnight in the West Wing, which is owned by Lord Crichton (son of The Earl). It is available for rent for a few days, a week or even a month. 12 people can stay comfortably. At the time we stayed overnight, Lord and Lady Erne were away in England. This meant we were alone in the castle!
The wonderful manager, Noel Johnston welcomed us, had tea with us, took us on a tour of the West Wing and than handed us over to his talented sister Cynthia, who is the caterer for Crom Castle and Belle Isle functions, who made us such a wonderful dinner. We started with a wonderful, fresh Smoked Salmon salad. We have never had such tender chicken, perfectly steamed veggies and potatoes. Than to top it off she made us Rhubarb crumble (just like my grandmother used to make). We were loving it so much, that we didn't even see the Devonshire cream until we were finished! After dinner was done, Cynthia handed us the key to the castle! (Obviously, there are also security measures in place.)
I had some port by the fireplace, and Danielle made some tea. We felt so comfortable beyond belief. (No, it was not the Diva in me, LOL!)
Crom Castle has such a warmth and peaceful feeling to it, we even slept in different bedrooms (if you know me, you know this is a huge deal). I had a great sleep!
This was my room. Each of the 6 bedrooms has its own ensuite bathroom.
The next morning the beautiful, Violet Johnston, arrived to make us breakfast . Violet was the last housekeeper of Crom Castle. She worked there for 40 years, since she was 14 yrs. old. She told us that she would start work at 8 a.m and finish at 9 p.m most nights. "I loved every single minute of it!" she told us. Violet is also well-known around Northern Ireland for her special talent of reading tea leaves. People wait months to have her read their tea cups.
After breakfast, Noel Johnston took us on a walking tour of the grounds and ruins. I was mesmerized and a bit overwhelmed by it all. He explained some of the history of the castle, the Cricton family and his family who have worked for Crom Castle for the last 200 years! I told him that I could have listened to him for days!
I asked Mr. Johnston what type of couple would suit getting married at Crom Castle, and he said, "Crom is open to everyone no matter who they are, or what budget they have. If a bride wants to be princess for the day, Crom is the place to be a princess with her prince, and have her fairy tale wedding!"
I also asked him why Crom Castle is different:
"Crom Castle is different from any other castle, as its private. You hire it for your ceremony and reception. It's tranquil with great hospitality and everybody is made so welcome."
Understandably, when I left Crom Castle, I cried!
Now I am convinced that I need to have my Wedding Vow Renewals at Crom Castle next year, so my husband and children can see what I am so "over the moon" about ;)
Some photos of Weddings at Crom Castle:
Wedding Photos from Crom Castle's website
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