Enniskillen

Enniskillen, a municipal (till 1885, also parliamentary) borough, the capital of County Fermanagh, 87 miles WSW. of Belfast, and 117 NW. of Dublin by rail, is beautifully situated on an isle in the river between Upper and Lower Loughs Erne. Around are richly cultivated eminences and many fine mansions; whilst among its own edifices are the Protestant and Catholic churches (the latter a fine modern building), the large barracks, a lofty monument to Sir Lowry Cole, and the Royal Portora School. The chief manufactures are cutlery and straw-plait. Pop. (1851) 5792; (1891) 5570. Enniskillen is famous for the victory, in 1689, of the troops of William III., under Lord Hamilton, over a superior force of James II., under Lord Galmoy. The banners taken in the battle of the Boyne hang in the town-hall. The regiment of Enniskilleners, or 6th Dragoons, was first instituted from the brave defenders of the town.