Nestled in the heart of Delvin, a quaint village in County Westmeath, lies the remnants of an ancient stronghold: Delvin Castle. Though partially demolished, this historical structure continues to captivate visitors with its rich history and the folklore surrounding it. Built by the renowned Hugh de Lacy, the first Lord of Meath, Delvin Castle holds a prominent place in Ireland’s medieval heritage. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the castle’s history, architecture, and some of the local legends that keep its memory alive.
The Origins of Delvin Castle: Hugh de Lacy’s Legacy
Delvin Castle dates back to the late 12th century, constructed in 1181 by Hugh de Lacy for his brother-in-law, Sir Gilbert Nugent. The Nugent family name is well-known in the region, also connected to nearby Fore Abbey, where the family crypt is located. The Nugents, originally from Nogent in France, were loyal supporters of William the Conqueror, and their service during the Norman conquest of England earned them lands and titles in Ireland.
The castle was originally a grand structure, consisting of a central rectangular block flanked by five-story circular towers on each corner. Today, only the southern half of the castle remains, as the northern half and its towers were demolished long ago. Though now partially integrated into a private home and shop, its imposing ruins still serve as a reminder of its storied past.
Architectural Significance and Historical Use
While Delvin Castle is not open to the public, its unique architectural features can still be admired from a distance. The castle once served as a gaol (prison) in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors might still notice the divisions and partitions on the lower floors, which were used to separate the cells. Unfortunately, access to the upper floors is now only possible by ladder, further emphasizing its restricted and decayed state.
Hugh de Lacy’s involvement in the creation of Delvin Castle is significant, as he was instrumental in developing the fortifications across Meath. He also constructed a wooden castle on a Norman motte near Delvin, further cementing the area as a key location in Ireland’s medieval defence. The strategic positioning of Delvin Castle was no coincidence, controlling trade routes that stretched from the east to the west of the country during its time.
The Nugent Family and Their Influence
The Nugent family were prominent figures in Irish history, with Sir Gilbert Nugent becoming one of the earliest settlers in the region under Hugh de Lacy’s command. Over the centuries, the Nugents played a pivotal role in local governance and maintained their estate until the 17th century when the castle fell into disrepair, eventually becoming roofless.
Their loyalty to the Crown earned them the title of "loyal kingsmen," and they were encouraged to build strongholds like Delvin Castle to protect their growing estate. While much of the original structure has been lost, the historical significance of the site remains, drawing history buffs and tourists alike.
Local Legends and Ghostly Encounters: The Haunted Castle Inn
While Delvin Castle’s history may not be rife with tales of paranormal activity, there is a haunting legend tied to a former establishment in the village: the Castle Inn. This now-demolished pub was said to be haunted by the ghost of a local blacksmith, who was rumoured to be the pub’s original landlord. According to local lore, on the day of his funeral, the blacksmith was spotted standing in the doorway of the pub as his funeral procession passed by.
One chilling account from a former landlord recalls how his children stopped watching the coloured television in the bar on Saturday mornings, opting instead for the black-and-white TV in the kitchen upstairs. When questioned, the children revealed that they were scared of “the man in the bar,” a time when the pub wasn’t open. Years later, when the pub was being demolished, a worker reported seeing a man walking through the rubble—his attire matching the description of the blacksmith.
The Valley of the Squinting Windows: Fiction and Fury
Another tale that ties into Delvin’s history is the controversy surrounding Brinsley McNamara’s book, The Valley of the Squinting Windows. Published in 1918, the book was written by John Weldon, under his pen name, and sparked outrage in the village. Although McNamara claimed the book was a work of fiction, villagers believed the characters and settings were based on Delvin, with references to the castle of the de Lacys at the edge of town. The outrage culminated in a public burning of the book in the village square, a vivid reminder of how literature can sometimes strike too close to home.
Conclusion
Delvin Castle may not be accessible to the public, but its history is a powerful reflection of Ireland’s medieval past. From its construction by Hugh de Lacy for the Nugent family to its later use as a prison and its partial demolition, the castle holds many untold stories within its walls. Combined with the haunted tales of the Castle Inn and the literary controversy of The Valley of the Squinting Windows, the village of Delvin remains a place of intrigue, both historically and in local folklore.
If you’re ever passing through County Westmeath, don’t forget to stop by and take in the sight of Delvin Castle—a lasting symbol of Ireland’s Norman history and the mysterious tales that continue to surround it.