Carrickahowley (also known as Rockfleet) Castle

Tuesday, 17th September, 2019.

Rockfleet Castle, on Clew Bay, was built in the mid-sixteenth century, and is most famously associated with Gráinne Ní Mháille (Grace O'Malley), the 'pirate queen' and chieftain of the Clan O’Malley.  I have been in here once before, on a previous visit, as Kathy knew the lady who had the key, but now it is closed to the public.  

The living area was on the top floor, with magnificent views over the bay.  The "garderobe" (loo) was flushed twice daily by the tide.

According to legend, Grace O'Malley ran the mooring rope of her ship through the loophole in the south wall and tied it to her bed at night.

Local legend also has it that treasure once housed in the castle is now buried in an unknown location somewhere in the surrounding fields. If found, the individual who exhumed it is said to be met by the Headless Horseman resulting in dire consequences.  We didn't test this legend.

The lady in this picture told us there was an otter in the water by the castle, but we didn't see any.

Blackberries were growing in the hedgerows near the castle.  Yum.