History

  Right out of the castle, on the N52 road connecting Delvin to Clonmellon on the East and to Mullingar on the West, a plate by the Westmeath Tourism [1] provides detailed information about the village and its main landmarks, including Delvin Castle.
  In particular, we learned that the name Delvin derives from the Gaelic "Dealbhna", meaning Territory of the Descendants of Delbaeth of Dalcassian ancestry [1]. Lughaigh Delbaeth (The Fine Producer), was a priest in pagan Ireland, from Clare. According to the legend, he lit a fire for each of his five sons, whose streams guided them to the site where later founded a Kingdom. Following his flame, one of his sons, Aindellig, reached this place and named it Dealbhna after his father [1].
  Although the first settlements date back to the 1800BC, it was with the Normans in the 12th century that the village started growing [1]. In more detail, Hugh de Lacy was granted the lands of Meath and Westmeath by Strongbow in 1172 and, on his turn, he granted the lands of Delvin to his brother in law, Gilbert de Nugent [1]. The development of Delvin is closely associated to the Nugents dinasty [1].
  Delvin castle was erected about 60 metres far from the site of a timber castle, built by Hugh the Lacy for Gilbert, probably in 1184, on the top of a Norman motte [1, 3]. In more detail, according to a second panel placed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) [2], what we refer to Delvin castle are the remains of a 15th century castle built by a member of the Nugent family. The original rectangular keep contained the main residential areas, with round tower to protect the corners, according to a 13th century design common in some areas of France under the Norman control [2]. What is left today is the western part of the castle with two of its towers [2].
  It is stated in [4] that the stronghold began to decline, after the Cromwellian wars in the 17th century [4].
  In more recent time (18th or early 19th century), as the lower floor and the corner towers were split into cells, it is thought that the castle might have been used as a prison [3, 5].

References


Other useful links

Tips

  As we were driving from Limerick towards Clonmellon, in County Westmeath, we came across this beautiful ruin, and we couldn't help but stop for a visit. It’s impossible to miss it, as it is literally guarding the main street of the village of Delvin.
  At first sight it seems that there is no access to the castle, but we didn't give up so easily so we asked around for informations. As the people of Delvin are famous for their kindness, we came across this hardware store, adjacent to the castle's walls, and the person working there reccomended us to ask for permission at a house nearby, where the landlady lives. She was very helpful and kind and opened the back doors to the interior of the castle to us. Anywhere you find yourself in Ireland, don't be afraid to ask: people are extremely friendly and open, and will always do their best to help and if it happens that you pass through Delvin, take a few minutes and admire this imposing old castle. Its charm and beauty are not lost, regardless the centuries that it had witnessed.