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Granuaile's Castle facts for kids

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Granuaile's Castle
Native name
Irish: Caisleán Ghráinne
Granuaile castle.jpg
Type tower house
Location Glen, Clare Island,
County Mayo, Ireland
Height 12 m (39 ft)
Built 16th century
Owner State
Official name: Granuaile's Castle
Reference no. 198
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Granuaile's Castle is an old stone tower, also known as a 'tower house'. It stands proudly on Clare Island in Ireland. This amazing building is also a special National Monument, meaning it's protected because of its history.

Where is Granuaile's Castle?

Granuaile's Castle is found on the eastern side of Clare Island. This island is off the coast of County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. It's a beautiful spot with great views!

A Castle with a Story

Built for a Powerful Family

This castle was built a long time ago, in the 1500s. It was built by the powerful Ó Máille family. They were like the local rulers, known as the Kings of Umaill.

Home of a Pirate Queen

Granuaile's Castle was a very important home for Gráinne Ní Mháille. She was born around 1530 and lived until about 1603. You might know her better as Grace O'Malley, the famous "pirate queen"! She was a strong leader and sailor. This castle was one of her main strongholds. She also had other castles, like Rockfleet Castle and Carrickkildavnet Castle.

Later Uses of the Castle

Much later, in the 1820s, the castle changed its purpose. It was used as a police station for the Royal Irish Constabulary. During this time, some purple slate was added to the castle's round towers, called bartizans.

Inside the Castle

Granuaile's castle exterior - geograph.org.uk - 965112
The outside of Granuaile's Castle.
Granuaile's castle interior - geograph.org.uk - 965110
A look inside the castle.

The main living area in the castle was on the first floor. From this room, people could get to the bartizans. These were small, round towers that stuck out from the castle walls. They also had access to a garderobe, which was like an old-fashioned toilet.

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