Outside Grace O’Malley’s Castle at Kildavnet
On the way back from the Belmullet Peninsula, I thought to drop by a place which was somewhat along the way. Grace O’Malley’s Castle sits at the entrance to Achill Sound and it is just a turn off from the main road where is follows the eastern coast of Achill Island. The weather wasn’t very good so it was difficult to get decent photos of the castle. The castle is actually just a tower built around 1429. Grace O’Malley is actually one of the descendants of the original builders and because of her prominence during her time, the castle was associated with her. The castle actually has a very good location at the entrance to Achill Sound. Any ships that would pass through would surely pass by the castle and be easily intercepted.
Inside Grace O’Malley’s Castle
This castle at the village of Kildavnet isn’t the only one built, there are a few in the area just to prove the importance of the location. Visitors can go in the tower. It is guarded by a turnstile which prevents sheep from entering the tower. Much of the castle interior is already gone, in fact, even the upper floors are already gone, leaving just the tower itself. In effect, the tower is just a hollow shell. Going inside, you can still get a feel of how it would have been back then. The wind was blowing through the door and it was definitely cold. Perhaps, it would have been much better maintained back then but I don’t think I would be able to stand living in a place like this.
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