County Mayo, featuring Kildavnet Castle on Achill Island

Kildavnet  Castle, (Cill Dambhnait in Irish),  is located on the south-eastern shore of Achill Island. The place-name literally means “the small church of Davnet” and refers to the 7th century Saint Dympna who built a small church here.  The castle is said to have been built in about 1429 and is best known as the home the legendary pirate queen Granuaille or Grace O’Malley.

The Tower stands at a strategically important spot, guarding the waters of Achill Sound which links Clew Bay to the south with Blacksod Bay to the north. During the time of Granuaille it was one of several such strongholds that she controlled, including the Tower House on Clare Island and Rockfleet Castle.