Rockfleet Castle

Rockfleet Castle was constructed in the mid-16th century. Its original owner was Sir Richard Burke, also known as Risdeárd an Iarainn, who processed iron nearby and owned extensive lands. In 1566, he married the famous Irish pirate Gráinne Ní Mháille. She used the castle as a base for her fleet of twenty pirate ships, which likely gave the place its name. After her husband's death in 1583, Gráinne remained at Rockfleet. When the English captured parts of her fleet and her brother, she negotiated with them to secure his release. This led to the cessation of her resistance, and Rockfleet Castle consequently lost its military significance. In the 18th century, the castle was owned by the Arbuthnot family. In the first half of the 20th century, Owen O’Malley, a descendant of Gráinne, restored the tower after the Irish Civil War.

Rockfleet Castle is situated in Burrishoole, County Mayo, which belongs to the Connacht region of Ireland. It stands at an elevation of approximately 6 m above sea level on the northern shore of Clew Bay, at the mouth of a narrow sea inlet.

Today, Rockfleet Castle is a National Monument and is open for visitors. The approximately 18-meter-high, square stone building is windowless except for narrow loopholes. Inside, there are four floors made of oak planks; access to the first floor was via a ladder, while a stone spiral staircase leads to the upper floors. A fireplace on the top floor indicates the main living area of the inhabitants. The tower features a gabled roof with a surrounding parapet and two small turrets that extend above the parapet.

• Ashford Castle (castle), approx. 46.1 km away
• Aughnanure Castle (ruin), approx. 58.0 km away
• Markree Castle (castle), approx. 82.4 km away
• Gleninagh Castle (ruin), approx. 88.9 km away