Discover Raphoe: History, Cathedral and Oakfield Park

Raphoe Between Architecture and Landscape

Raphoe is in County Donegal and combines ecclesiastical and Georgian architectural history with the landscape of Oakfield Park. When planning your trip, it is also helpful to distinguish between attractions in the town and destinations nearby: the former Bishop’s Palace and the cathedral are in Raphoe, while Beltany Stone Circle and Raphoe Castle are outside or close to the town.

Oakfield Park and Its Landscape

Oakfield Park in Raphoe is a privately operated estate with a railway. Kilometres of walking trails run through the grounds, and there is a hedge maze. The landscape includes parkland, lakes and mature woodland. If you would rather focus your stay on parkland and walking trails than on historic buildings, Oakfield Park offers a distinct experience in Raphoe. Buffers Restaurant at Oakfield Park gives visitors the option of dining indoors or outdoors. Arrangements may change; check current options before your visit.

Townscape and Ecclesiastical History

Raphoe is essentially a plantation town, meaning a settlement established as part of the Plantation. Its centre was the market square known as The Diamond. Attractive Georgian houses line the square, particularly on its western side. Raphoe also features several significant examples of ecclesiastical and Georgian architecture. Donegal County Council designated Raphoe a Heritage Town in 2000.

The former Church of Ireland Bishop’s Palace was built in 1636–1637 by John Leslie, Bishop of Raphoe. Today it is a ruin and has not been used since a fire around 1838. The building can be seen from several places in and around Raphoe.

St. Eunan’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Raphoe is named after St. Eunan and dates from the 12th century. It stands on the site of an ancient Christian monastic settlement. The cathedral building is of considerable ecclesiastical and architectural importance; its ancient heritage is of national significance.

Nearby Destinations

Beltany Stone Circle is in the vicinity of Raphoe. There are 64 stones on Beltany Hill, which offers views of the surrounding landscape. Raphoe Castle lies just outside the town. The ruin dates from 1630 and was once used as a bishop’s palace. Raphoe Castle should not be confused with the former Bishop’s Palace in Raphoe: the castle outside the town dates from 1630, while John Leslie had the palace in the town built in 1636–1637.

County Donegal in the Regional Context

Within the wider destination of County Donegal, Glenveagh National Park and Castle offers its own focus on landscape and culture: mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and native oak forests are part of the scenery, as is a castle with original interiors. This makes the landscape of Oakfield Park in Raphoe distinct from Glenveagh’s natural setting and castle, each with its own characteristics.

Discover more destinations: Glenties, Dunlewey, Bunbeg, Rosnakill, Bundoran, Manorcunningham, Killygordon, Derrybeg

Back to the main travel overview: County Donegal.