The Norman castle of the Nugents

The DeNugent family were from Nogent in France and supported William the Conqueror in 1066 when he invaded England. They were seen thereafter as ‘loyal King’s men’. Their later generations were granted titles and land in this area and were encouraged to build fortifications and expand their foothold in the new Irish colony. Delvin Castle was built in 1310 by Sir Gilbert de Nugenton who was brother-in-law to Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath. This was once a sturdy Norman castle with a square block in the middle and 4 corner cylindrical towers. This was a strategic location that controlled trade flowing between the east and west of Ireland.

Thanks to Top Tenz for informative video on the Normans in Ireland