Grace O'Malley's Towerhouse, Kildavnet Tower — Attraction in County Mayo

Grace O’Malley’s Towerhouse, also known as Kildavnet Tower, is a captivating historical site located on the southeastern coast of Achill Island in County Mayo. Built around 1429 by the O’Malley clan, this 12-meter-tall, three-storey tower served as a strategic stronghold for the renowned “Pirate Queen” Grace O’Malley, offering a tangible connection to Ireland’s rich maritime history. 

🏰 Historical Significance

The tower’s strategic location at the mouth of Achill Sound allowed the O’Malley clan to control the passage between Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay, underscoring its importance in regional defense and maritime trade. The structure features defensive elements such as a vaulted first floor, a mural chamber, machicolation, and defensive loops, reflecting the turbulent times during which it was constructed.  

🌄 Scenic Setting

Surrounded by the rugged beauty of Achill Island, the tower offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Corraun Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk along the coastline, immersing themselves in the natural splendor that once served as the backdrop for Grace O’Malley’s seafaring adventures. 

🧭 Visitor Experience

While the tower is a ruin, its well-preserved state allows for exploration, providing insight into the architectural features and defensive strategies of the period. The site is free to visit, making it an accessible destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. ()

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Grace O’Malley’s Towerhouse is a must-visit for those interested in Ireland’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Its combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes it a memorable stop on...

Preciosa torre de la heroína irlandesa a los pies del puerto de salida a la isla de Clare.The Tower at Kildavnet, in the south-east corner of Achill Island, is a perfect example of a 15th century Irish tower house. The Gaelic Chiefs of the time copied a Norman design and constructed many such tower houses. The tower at Kildavnet is thought to have been constructed by the Clan O’Malley in about 1429, but is associated locally with a descendant of the original builders, Grace O’Malley or Granuaile. This legendary pirate queen is thought to have been born around 1530 and died in about 1603. The Tower at Kildavnet is one of a series of such strongholds that Granuaile established along the western seaboard (she is said to be buried in a similar tower on Clare Island) as she dominated the waters during the...

Absolutely amazing tower castle! Free to park near and walk into! Getting to see where the pirate queen, Grace O’Malley, lived is absolutely incredible! The parking is not far down the road with a large sign that details her life. The tower is large and striking against the water. To get to it from the parking area, you walk down along the stone wall and climb up the stone steps and then walk down the hill. There is a turnstile at the door of the castle that you can just walk through into the main room. The roof of what appears to be the second floor is still intact and you can see higher up through what was possibly a chimney (could just be a hole in the ceiling). You can walk out to the water beyond the castle which is crystal clear. The castle itself is amazing, but the view around it is...