History Of The Manor House Country Hotel

Manor House Country Hotel is a historic 18th-century lakeside hotel located in Killadeas, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, on the shores of Lough Erne. Set within the Fermanagh Lakelands, the hotel has evolved from ancient lands connected to early religious communities into one of Northern Ireland’s most recognised destinations for weddings, spa retreats, and luxury countryside escapes. Its history reflects centuries of heritage, transformation, and hospitality, making it more than a hotel — but a place where stories continue to unfold.

History Of The Manor House Country Hotel

The lands of Killadeas on which the Manor House Hotel stands, acquired this name from the Religious Community of the Culdees or Ceile-De of Devenish, who owned these lands for many centuries and on which there was an Ancient Church and Graveyard.

It is unknown whether or not the Ancient Church of Killadeas existed before the Culdees acquired these lands. In fact, almost all that is known about it is that it was called the Yellow Church, and that Isaac Butler saw it on his way to Lough Derg in 1644 and he gave the following account of it - "Two miles from Ballycassidy and ye ruins of ye Yellow Church on the roadside, it is rude sculpture and built like a barn."

The Story of the Manor House

The ancient churchyard of Killadeas, still visible today, forms part of the grounds surrounding the modern Manor House Country Hotel. In 1660, Captain John Irvine acquired the Killadeas estate, and the property later became known as Rockfield.
The estate remained in the Irvine family for generations and was eventually rebuilt in 1860 by Colonel J. G. Irvine. He transformed the property into a grand manor house, bringing skilled craftsmen from Italy to create the elegant interiors that can still be experienced by guests today. This transformation laid the foundation for what is now one of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive lakeside hotels.

The Irvine Family

The Irvine family, descendants of the Irvines of Bonshaw, played a central role in shaping the Manor House estate. In 1835, Major John Irvine renamed the property Killadeas Manor House, marking a new chapter in its development. His son, Colonel J. G. Irvine, later rebuilt and expanded the estate, incorporating elements of the original structure into the new mansion. Today, this legacy is preserved within Manor House Country Hotel, where history and modern hospitality meet on the shores of Lough Erne.

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World War II History of the Manor House Country Hotel

The Manor House Country Hotel in Killadeas, County Fermanagh, has a unique connection to World War II history. According to historical records, the estate, then known as Rockfield, had been rebuilt and expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing architectural influences similar to nearby Belleek Pottery, including its distinctive narrow arched windows.

During the Second World War (1939–1945), the property was requisitioned by the government and used by American forces. The house served as an Officers’ Mess and headquarters, while the nearby seaplane base on Lough Erne played a significant role in wartime operations. Notably, aircraft from this base were involved in missions connected to the German battleship Bismarck.

After the war, the estate remained in the Irvine family until 1957, when it was transformed into a hotel. Today, Manor House Country Hotel combines this rich history with modern hospitality, offering guests a unique stay in one of Northern Ireland’s most historic lakeside settings.

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