Monea and Springfield: A mecca for wildlife, walking and retreat

Complete with an oblong tower house, three-stories high and finished in a characteristic Scottish style, the imposing structure has for centuries stood steadfast as nearby settlements sprang up and developed around it.

If the castle could talk, it might tell dramatic tales of being conquered by Irish hands in 1641, or being burned and abandoned in the 18th Century - but if it was asked about the surrounding area, the stories would be much more positive.

It might tell of the long-standing spirit of community amongst townsfolk; of how the settlements of Monea and Springfield have expanded exponentially over the years; or how, even in today's modern age, the area remains an extremely desirable place to live.

Indeed, sentient or not, the beautiful castle ruin has left a lasting mark on the area. It's even embodied on the logo of the village 'blacksmith'!

And while the folk at Monea Metal Design by no means work with a hammer and anvil, they do create pieces that would delight even the likes of Rev. Hamilton himself.

Founded by Gerard and Una Meehan and with help from brother, Aidan,  the business creates made-to-order steel signs depicting just about anything, whether it be a clan name, castle, animal or anything in between.

"We have a passion for creativity, and an ongoing ambition to create something new, exciting and perfect for every customer, every time," said Gerard Meehan. 

"It was always an ambition to be self-employed, and I always had an interest and background in engineering. 

"We decided to start making signs in 2019 and we branched out into that market, and it's been especially popular among agricultural and farming markets. 

"It's something that's a continually growing thing for us, and makes up about 50 per cent of what we do here, in addition to contracted engineering work."

As a lifelong Monea resident, Mr. Meehan is complimentary about the area he calls home.

"I wouldn't live anywhere else," he said. "It's a great wee area, with a good rural community.

"It's handy to the town of Enniskillen all the same, and closely linked to Springfield. We can't complain!"

Indeed, the signs made by the Meehans at Monea Metal will stand the test of time, much like the castle, its two churches and the number of old homes in the surrounding countryside.

In nearby Springfield, a stately home on the hill rivals the beauty of Monea's oldest man-made feature - Moyglass House.

Much like the castle, the house has Plantation links, and the natural surroundings of Springfield are a mecca for owners, John and Gillian Spence.

"We love it here, it's paradise," Mrs. Spence said. "We have seven beehives, three dogs, five cats, lots of old trees, everything we could want!

"Springfield is a lovely place. It's somewhere people go to get away from the hustle and bustle of Enniskillen.

"There are plenty of places for walks and leisure, it's great! It's a simpler way of life around here."

At Moyglass House, the wonders of nature are showcased in abundance. Honey from the seven hives is potted and sold, while converted stables provide accommodation for those looking for a quieter way of life.

Dulcet tunes also abound, with Mrs. Spence, a talented pianist, operating Moyglass Music School from the stunning location.

This sense of entrepreneurship, intertwined with the beauty of nature, is writ large across the local area.

Just down the road, Kenneth Brownlee runs a successful electrical company, having come to Springfield just six years ago. 

"I have been in business for over 25 years, but am a relative newcomer to Springfield, having moved here just over six years ago," said Mr. Brownlee, owner of KB Electrical. 

"Springfield, while a rural setting, is still in close proximity to Enniskillen, so you could say we have the best of both worlds.  

"There is a real community spirit and neighbourliness here, which I know is not unique to Fermanagh, but we are very fortunate to have excellent neighbours who are always willing to lend a hand.

"Moving to Springfield was one of the best decisions I have ever made - my only regret was I didn’t do it sooner!"

For residents, the townlands of Monea and Springfield have a special place in their hearts. 

Two local ladies, who were enjoying their daily walk, spoke in glowing terms about what Monea means to them.

Carmel Greene, a resident of Monea for 33 years, said: "It's a very friendly area, everyone looks out for each other. It's a beautiful place to walk, we have the castle, as you can see, which is a great tourist attraction.

"It's one of the best Plantation castles in Ireland, built in 1618 by the Hamiltons. The two churches are lovely as well.

"It's also a great environment for foraging. I've just made pesto with the wild garlic grown in the fields.

"You will often meet people who are very interested in that, and in the woodland around here. It's also a great environment for fishing."

Fellow walker, Hilary Redmond, described Monea as "a place that when you come to, you rarely leave".

"People here are really friendly, I have to say," she said. "There are plenty of local characters, so many friendly faces, and it's also a great place for a walk.

"In fact, that's how myself and Carmel met and became friends, while out walking on this very road!"

18-year-old Nathan Carroll-Magee shares a similar view. An employee of Erne Skip Hire & Recycling Ltd., he described Monea as "mighty".

"It's a mighty spot and a great place to be from," he said, taking a well-earned break from his work.

"I have lived here for four years, and it's been great. It's only 10 minutes out of Eniskillen, so it's handy that way. There's never any bother about here!"

Undoubtedly both young and old have their own thoughts, feelings and memories of Monea and Springfield. 

While the likes of Nathan are much too young to remember Monea in years gone by, older residents will remember the old pub, The Castle Inn, and the village shop, both now sadly closed.

A former owner of the pub, 94-year-old Pat McSherry, has seen first-hand the many changes that have been experienced in the townland over the years.

Pat's son, Ronan, recounted the memories that had been joyfully recalled by his father countless times.

"Pat was born in 1930 and grew up at the Diamond in Monea at the family shop and public house know as The Diamond bar," he said.

"During World War II, he remembers the soldiers undertaking manoeuvres from Ely Lodge to Boho, and waiting on the street in the hope of some chocolate.

"Pat also has memories of seeing the aircraft from the top of Cullen Hill where there was an air raid shelter or army outpost, and cycling to The Graan on hearing of the American plane crashing [on December 8, 1943, killing seven Airmen]."

According to Mr. McSherry, the centre of Monea is often referred to as 'The Diamond', and many generations of the family have lived here down through the years.

In latter years, Pat ran the well-known Castle Inn.

"The Castle Inn was the place for socialising and meeting up, for people living in the Monea area," Mr. McSherry continued.

"Being a lover of music, Pat booked lots of bands and artists to play music three-nights a week, with Pat himself getting on stage the odd time too!

"Pat also developed a caravan and camping park adjacent to the bar and this drew visitors from far and wide to Monea, including overseas visitors, all of whom came to appreciate the peacefulness, scenery, and the pace of life enjoyed by the locals."

Indeed, when Rev. Hamilton selected Monea as the place for his famous castle in the 1600s, he made a good choice.

The location has proven not only to be a haven of energy and entrepreneurship for local people,  but also a mecca for wildlife, walking, and retreat.