Delvin is stepped in history with a motte at the southern end of the village built by Hugh de Lacy in 1181. Close to the motte are the ruins of a thirteenth century castle built by the Nugents, Earls of Westmeath. Nearby Clonyn Castle, which is still inhabited, was one of the last Victorian baronial castles to be built in Ireland. Delvin Castle golf club is in the grounds of Clonyn Castle.