Raphoe Castle (Bishop's Palace)

Republic of Ireland, Ireland

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Raphoe Castle, also known as the Bishop’s Palace, is a striking ruined 17th-century fortress located on a hill overlooking the town of Raphoe in County Donegal, Ireland. It was built in the 1630s by Bishop John Leslie, a prominent Church of Ireland bishop, and served as both a residence and a defensive stronghold during a turbulent period in Irish history. The castle played a role in several major conflicts, including the Irish Rebellion of 1641, the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, and later unrest in the late 18th century. Despite surviving repeated attacks and repairs, it was largely destroyed by an accidental fire in 1838 and has remained a ruin ever since. Today, the remains of the Bishop’s Palace are an important local landmark, known for their imposing towers and historic character. The site offers visitors a glimpse into County Donegal’s rich heritage and the complex religious and political history of Ireland.