Lisnaskea

Lisnaskea (Lios na Scéithe - fort of the shield) is the second largest settlement in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 2,739 people in the 2001 Census. The town is built around the long main street, which bends at almost 90 degrees along its course.

History

Lisnaskea has a proud heritage dating back to the ruling Maguire Clan of Fermanagh. It was once the Seat of the Clan, where Kings were crowned and ruled the County. This strategic importance led to the town changing hands many times over the years. Sir Michael Balfour took control of the town in the Plantation of Ulster and in 1821 it came under the control of the Earls of Erne. They established the market in the town whilst aiding and controlling development around the high street.

Places of interest

Just off the Main Street are the ruins of Castle Balfour, built in 1618 by the Balfour’s. The castle was inhabited right up to the early 19th century and is currently undergoing a restoration programme.

Education

Primary level

• St Eugene's Knocks Primary School
• The Moat Primary School
• St. Ronan's Primary School

Secondary level

• Lisnaskea High School
• St. Comhghall's Secondary School

2001 Census

Lisnaskea is classified as an intermediate settlement by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (ie with population between 2,250 and 4,500 people). On Census day (29 April 2001) there were 2,739 people living in Lisnaskea. Of these:

• 23.5% were aged under 16 years and 18.9% were aged 60 and over
• 46.8% of the population were male and 53.2% were female
• 74.1% were from a Catholic background and 24.5% were from a Protestant background
• 7.0% of people aged 16-74 were unemployed.

For more details see: NI Neighbourhood Information Service

Transport

• Lisnaskea railway station opened on 26 August 1858 and finally closed on 1 October 1957.