Delvin

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Delvin
Irish: Dealbhna or Dealbhna Mhór
Westmeath
DelvinRCChurch2935.jpg
Church of the Assumption (1881)
Location
Grid reference: N601626
Location: 53°36’38"N, 7°5’33"W
Data
Population: 697  (2011)
Local Government
Dáil
constituency:
Westmeath

Delvin is a town in Westmeath, on the N52 road at a junction with the N51 to Navan. The town is 12 miles from Mullingar (along the N52) and is the setting of the book Valley of the Squinting Windows by Delvin native Brinsley MacNamara, described under the fictitious name of "Garradrimna".

The word Delvin comes from Delbhna, the tribe that settled in what is present-day Delvin.

Delvin Castle and Clonyn Castle

Ruins of Delvin/Nugent Castle
Main Street

Delvin Castle (or Nugent Castle), now a ruin, was built in 1181 by Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath for his brother-in-law, Gilbert de Nugent. De Nugent came to Ireland with de Lacy in 1171 and settled on some land in Delvin. De Nugent was granted the title Baron of Delvin within the Lordship of Meath, a title now held by the Earl of Westmeath. The ruins of Nugent Castle remain near the centre of the town. A second castle was built several centuries later, hundreds of yardsfrom the centre of the Delvin settlement of that time

Clonyn Castle is situated on dominant ground south of Delvin between the N52 and the Collinstown road. An alternative access to the castle grounds exists on the Collinstown Road opposite the church. This access is also used by Delvin Golf Club members.[1]

Amenities

The 18-hole Delvin Castle Golf Club is located near the town. There is a bank, church, hotel/guest house, schools, pubs, a few shops and a take-away in the town. There are also a few pubs on the Main Street. The town expanded and work on a development in the center of the village recommenced. Plans were unveiled for the provision of a new sports and leisure facility within the village.

References

Outside links