This twin-turreted structure, built by William Cole in the early 17th century, has become an iconic symbol of Enniskillen and of county Fermanagh. Scottish in style and designed to impress, it was part of the outer defences of the castle. Close to the inner wall is a deep well. Belying its name, the Watergate was not an actual gate onto the river, but was built close to an earlier ‘watergatte’ shown and named on a map of 1594..

Flying from the Watergate is the flag of St. George, the English national banner until 1606. This probably commemorates the original Inniskilling regiments, believed to have fought under this flag in the late 17th century, The tradition of flying the St. George flag from the Watergate is a long-standing one. It may even go back to the time of King William of Orange when the king, in appreciation of distinguished service by the Inniskilling regiments at the Battle of the Boyne, is said to have conferred on them the right to use the symbol of a castle flying a St. George flag on their regimental badges and colours.

The Watergate. © Fermanagh County Museum	Enniskillen Castle and Watergate. © Fermanagh County Museum