Historic Belleek

Belleek is steeped in Irelands History from the legendary Irish warrior Fionn MacCool and his men who sharpened their swords at the Limestone rock at Belleek falls to the internationally renowned Belleek Pottery.

The History of Belleek began in 1211 when a Norman Fort was built by Gilbert de Costelloe. Following this the territory around Belleek was fiercely contested between rival Irish Clans as well as the British.

In 1597 during the ‘nine years war' the Gaelic Chieftains of Ulster fought a battle with Queen Elizabeth that resulted in the area being ruled by the Ulster Gaelic Chieftains. Following the ‘Flight of the Earls' in 1607, that led to the forfeit of the Ulster Chieftains lands to the crown, Sir Edward Blennerhassett and his son built “Hassetts Fort” that later became Castle Caldwell where the founder of Belleek Pottery resided.

After the Irish rebellion against the British in 1641 the Blennerhassett's fled to Ballyshannon and sold the estate to James Caldwell whose descendants established the internationally renowned Belleek pottery. Following a further war between the Jacobites and the Williamites in 1689 and the defeat of King James by King William at the Battle of the Boyne , the settlement at Belleek began to become a more prosperous area.

John Caldwell Bloomfield established the Pottery at Belleek in 1857 and the development of the railway close to Belleek brought more prosperous times to the area. Since then Belleek has benefited from the growing international reputation of the Pottery as well as the thriving fishing and outdoor holiday business with over 25000 people visiting Belleek every year.

Belleek Main Street 1890
On the Far Right hand side of the street at the bottom you can observe the original building where the Best Western Hotel Carlton now Stands.

Belleek from the Battery Fort 1910
On the far Left hand side of the Hotel you can observe the original building of the Best Western Hotel Carlton and on the far right hand side the Belleek Pottery.

Belleek Main Street 1930
The old building of our hotel is pictured at the centre and end of the street in this photograph.