Rockfleet Castle
West Ireland | County Mayo
Rockfleet Castle also known as Carrickahowley Castle (irish: Carraig-an-Cabhlaigh) is fine example of Irish tower house which were built in the likeness of the Norman design. This 16th century stronghold is located approx 7km from Newport in Achill Island direction (road N59), County Mayo. Was built by powerful Clan O’Malley which controlled a large part of Co. Mayo and owned a number of castles. Just like The Kildavnet Castle is renowned for its links with the legendary pirate queen, Grace O'Malley.
The Tower House is over 18m (60ft) in height and has four storeys, including the ground floor. An interesting thing is that the there was no a stairwell between ground and first floor, just ladder (narrow spiral stairwells start from the first floor). There are a number of small chambers set into the very thick walls and one very spacious room on the top, with fireplace and an exit to the battlements. If the huge doorhandle on the heavy wooden door cannot be opened, the key can be borrowed and returned to the nearby farm.
- OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS :
- Freely accessible
- CAR PARK :
- Roadside
Photos from Rockfleet Castle
