Exterior Side View

Monea may have been the headquarters of the Maguire clan before Enniskillen became their capital.  The Maguires, Lords of Fermanagh, spent the late 1500s fighting the armies of Queen Elizabeth I of England.  As a result, when King James came to the throne in the early 17th century, he seized their land and gave it to English and Scottish Planters on condition that they controlled the area.

Monea Castle was built as a defensive stronghold.  Its two massive, full-height round towers have square projecting towers guarding the entrance which can still be seen in the side of one at ground level.  Behind this is a rectangular building with several chambers.