Size and location

The forest is located on the north east shoulder of Cuilcagh

Cuilcagh

Cuilcagh, historically Slieve Cuilcagh , is the highest mountain in the Breifne area and the 165th highest on the island of Ireland . The summit lies on the border between County Fermanagh and County Cavan , and is the highest point in both counties...

 mountain and covers an area of 1,200 hectares. The forest adjoins the National Trust

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, usually known as the National Trust, is a conservation organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland...

 property and Florence Court

Florence Court

Florence Court is a large 18th century house and estate located 8 miles south-west of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It is set in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain. The nearby village is distinguished by the one-word name Florencecourt. It is owned and managed by the National...

 House.

History

Florence Court is named after the Sir John Cole's wife, who first built a house on the site in the early 18th century. The present house with a view over Benaughlin Mountain

Benaughlin Mountain

Benaughlin Mountain is a mountain in the Cuilcagh Mountain range in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It has a limestone composition and is known as Bin Mountain in the local area.At its highest point, Benaughlin is 373 metres above sea level...

 is believed to have been built by his son John, afterwards the 1st Lord Mount Florence. The wings and pavilions were added to the mid-18th century block around 1770 by William Cole, 1st Earl of Enniskillen

Earl of Enniskillen

Earl of Enniskillen is a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created in 1789 for William Cole, 1st Viscount Enniskillen. He had already been created Viscount Enniskillen in the Peerage of Ireland in 1776 and had inherited the title Baron Mount Florence, of Florence Court in the County of...

. In 1955 the main building was struck by fire. Quick thinking by rescuers, who drilled holes in the floor, saved the diningroom ceiling, with its cherubs

CHERUBS

CHERUBS is a Non-Profit Organization. It was founded in February, 1995 for families of children born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, a severe and often lethal birth defect. It was founded and currently led by Dawn M...

and birds. The rest of the house and the plasterwork after the manner of Robert West has been restored.