Clare Island Castle

Known locally as Granuaile’s Castle, this three storey towerhouse is believed to have been built in the 16^th century by the O’Malley family, a powerful Gaelic clan within Connaught. It is said that the island is where the famous Pirate Queen, Gráinne O’Máille, grew up.

With beautiful views over the surrounding harbour, it is not hard to understand why Gráinne established the castle as her base to launch her career in piracy after the death of her first husband in 1565. With its now blocked up gun loops, and parapet walk along the north and south walls, the castle was the perfect defence for someone in such a dangerous line of work.

In the 1820s the castle was converted into a police barracks, but still to this day it is closely associated with Ireland’s Pirate Queen.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014