Caisleán Ghráinne
Location
Carrickkildavnet Castle is located in the southeast corner of Achill Island, across from the Corraun Peninsula. This is an important strategic site, protecting the mouth of Achill Sound and the passage that connects Clew Bay with Blacksod Bay.
History
Carrickkildavnet Castle was built c. 1429 by the Ó Máille (O'Malley), Kings of Umaill. It was later the stronghold of Gráinne Ní Mháille (Grace O'Malley, c. 1530 – c. 1603), the famous "pirate queen." Her other strongholds were at Rockfleet Castle (on Clew Bay) and Clare Island.
Building
It is a tower house of four storeys' height. It is vaulted above the first floor and a hole at the corner of this vault is the only access to the higher levels, presumably for defensive reasons. Other defensive features include a mural chamber, machicolation, defensive loops, buttress fortifications at the top and a ruined bawn wall.
Gallery
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Castle with Achill Sound and Corraun Hill beyond -
View of the tower house
References
- ^ Mullen, Michael (1 January 2004). Mayo: The Waters and the Wild. Dundurn. ISBN 9781900935401 – via Google Books.
- ^ Greenwood, Margaret; Connolly, Mark; Wallis, Geoff (1 January 2003). Ireland. Rough Guides. ISBN 9781843530596 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Granuaile's Tower, Kildavnet, Achill Island, Ireland - Achill Tourism".
- ^ "Kildavnet Castle, Achill Island • Destination Westport". Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
- ^ "Kildavnet Castle (2013) - Achill Archaeological Field School".
- ^ "Kildavnet Castle".
- ^ "Kildavnet Castle Stock Photos and Pictures - Getty Images".
- ^ "Carrickkildavnet Castle & Church Co Mayo". 25 January 2016.
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