Carrickkildavnet Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carrickkildavnet Castle |
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| Native name Irish: Caisleán Ghráinne |
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| Kildavnet Castle/Tower Grace O'Malley's Castle Kildownet Tower |
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| Type | tower house |
| Location | Carrickkildavnet, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland |
| Height | 12 m (39 ft) |
| Built | c. 1429 |
| Owner | State |
| Official name: Carrickkildavnet Castle | |
| Reference no. | 458 |
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Carrickkildavnet Castle is an old stone tower, also known as a tower house. It is a special place in Ireland called a National Monument. You can find it on Achill Island.
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Where is Carrickkildavnet Castle Located?
Carrickkildavnet Castle sits in a very important spot. It's on the southeast side of Achill Island. Right across from it is the Corraun Peninsula.
Why is its Location Important?
This location was perfect for protecting the area. It guarded the entrance to Achill Sound. It also watched over the path connecting Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay. Imagine it like a guard tower for the waterways!
The History of Carrickkildavnet Castle
Carrickkildavnet Castle was built a long, long time ago, around the year 1429. It was built by a powerful family called the Ó Máille clan. They were like the kings of their area, called Umaill.
Grace O'Malley and the Castle
Later, this castle became a main home for a very famous person: Gráinne Ní Mháille. She lived from about 1530 to 1603. People knew her as the "pirate queen." She was a strong leader and sailor.
Other Castles of Grace O'Malley
Carrickkildavnet Castle was one of Grace O'Malley's main strongholds. She also had other important castles. These included Rockfleet Castle near Clew Bay and another on Clare Island.
What Does Carrickkildavnet Castle Look Like?
Carrickkildavnet Castle is a tower house that stands four stories high. It's made of strong stone.
Inside the Castle's Defenses
The castle has a special arched ceiling, called a vault, above the first floor. There's a small hole in this vault. This hole was the only way to get to the higher levels. This was a clever defense! It made it hard for enemies to climb up.
Other Defensive Features
The castle has many features to keep it safe. It has a hidden room inside the wall, called a mural chamber. There's also a machicolation, which is a floor opening for dropping things on attackers. Narrow openings for shooting arrows, called defensive loops, are also there. Strong buttress supports are at the top. You can also see parts of a ruined outer wall, called a bawn wall.
Images for kids
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Castle with Achill Sound and Corraun Hill beyond
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View of the tower house
