Granuaile's Tower, Kildavnet, Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Granuaile's Tower, Kildavnet, Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland

The Tower House at Kildavnet, Achill Island, on the west coast of Ireland, is a perfect example of a 15th century Irish Tower house. Thought to have been built by the Clan O'Malley in 1429, this Tower is known locally as Grace O'Malley's Castle after the legendary pirate queen Granuaile (Grace O'Malley). She is said to have used the tower as one of her strongholds as she controlled the waters along Ireland's western seaboard. This photograph shows the tower with the waters of Achill Sound behind it, and in the distance is Polranny Hill.