Exploring Local Heritage

Evidence of Delvin’s rich heritage is clearly visible on our main street, but take a short drive and there are plenty of other stories to tell and sights to see.

Sadly, not all are publicly accessible so this guide will tell you all you need to know.

Photo: Main Street, Delvin - National Library of Ireland Archives

Ballinlough Castle

Ballinlough Castle, home to the award winning Body&Soul Festival.

The Beehive Lodge

In the 1970s & 1980s, The Beehive Lodge near Reynella was the place to be and be seen!

Bracklyn House & Estate

Bracklyn House was built by a branch of the Fetherstonhaugh family in the late 18th century.

Church of St Livinius

The Church of St Livinius is a beautiful building in a stunning location on high ground overlooking rolling fields.

Church of the Assumption

The Church of the Assumption, is a magnificent building overlooking the main village.

Clonarney

Clonarney graveyard is an enclosed historic site located in a field near Delvin

Clonyn Castle

One of the last great Victorian castles to be built in Ireland.

Delvin Castle

It is believed that the castle was built c.1181 for Sir Gilbert de Nugent.

Motte & Souterrain

A late 12th century earth & timber motte castle, built by Hugh de Lacy.

Rosmead House & Smiling Bess

Rosmead house was built in the early 1700s by the Wood family.

Cooke Mausoleum

Adolphus built the tomb to resemble a beehive because he believed his father would be reincarnated as a bee.

St Mary's Church

A former COI church, rebuilt c.1810 incorporating fabric of later medieval building (c.1550).

St Patrick's Hall

St Patrick’s Hall was built in 1832 and began life as the original village chapel.

Union Workhouse

Castletowndelvin was one of the new Poor Law Unions created between 1848 and 1850.