Last Friday night (October 26) Enniskillen Castle opened its doors after-dark for a unique medieval-themed event. Maguire’s House Party transported guests back to 1499 with an eclectic mix of live music, promenade theatre and feasting. The event was part of The Late Shift, a series of after-hours, adults-only happenings in museums across Northern Ireland this autumn.

On arrival, guests were given the ‘key to the castle’ (a map showing the different attractions) and were given the freedom to roam the castle ground and museums at their own pace.

Guests were encouraged to get to get involved by interacting with historical characters from the castle’s medieval past as well as taking part in heritage crafts. The local Mummers also joined in the festivities on the night. Dressed in their traditional costumes, they provided live music and laughs.

Belfast-based band Lonesome George brought their upbeat fusion of traditional folk sounds and contemporary lyrics to the castle stage, which had guests dancing heartily despite the icy winds that blew through the courtyard. They were followed by headliners of the night, Emerald Armada, who closed the party on a high with their original folk-rock tunes.

It was a fantastic evening of live entertainment in the spectacular setting of the castle grounds - a party that even Hugh ‘The Hospitable’ Maguire himself would have been proud of.