The first plaque can be found embedded in the north wall of the southeast tower, whilst the second sits in the south wall of the northeast tower. The third, bearing the Leslie Coat of Arms, adorns the east face of the northeast tower. These heraldic emblems would have served as proud declarations of lineage and authority, carved in stone for all who approached the palace to see.

Historical records suggest there was once a fourth armorial plaque at the palace site. When the antiquarian Beaufort visited Raphoe in 1787, he documented this additional piece in his writings. This fourth plaque appears to have been relocated at some point; it’s now believed to be the same one that graces the front garden of a house on William Street in Raphoe town. How and when it made this journey from palace to domestic garden remains a mystery, though such relocations of architectural fragments weren’t uncommon as grand estates fell into disrepair and local residents salvaged what they could.

These plaques form part of County Donegal’s rich archaeological heritage, representing the complex layers of history that characterise this corner of Ireland. From medieval times through to the 17th century and beyond, Raphoe served as an important ecclesiastical and administrative centre, with the palace and its ornamental features reflecting the wealth and influence of its occupants. Today, these armorial stones continue to tell their silent story, scattered between their original palace setting and their new home in town.