Description
Raphoe, County Donegal, Ireland
Raphoe Castle or “Bishop’s Palace” is a ruined 17th-century castle in the ancient town of Raphoe. The castle was built in 1636 by the Bishop of Raphoe, John Leslie from stone from a ruined round tower. Leslie was laid siege to within the castle during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 until he was relieved by the Lagganeer army.
Leslie was laid siege again during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, with the castle surrendering in 1650 and was damaged by supporters of King James II in 1689 during the Williamite War. A century later in 1798 the castle was attacked again, this time by the United Irishmen three of whom were killed during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. During 1838 Raphoe Castle was finally destroyed by a fire that was said to be accidental from coals that fell out of a fire in an upper room. It has sadly remained in this condition ever since 
It’s such a shame to see this castle with such grandeur & history tied to it, just withering away in the wind & rain nowadays. Why this important irreplaceable castle has not been preserved has me baffled? Yet grants are continually being dished out for modern community projects like parks & flower beds etc It’s such a shame that these historical monuments aren’t being prioritised first. When these historical buildings are soon gone for good, I bet opinions will change but it will be too late by then…..
