Rockfleet Castle is an Irish castle located near Newport in County Mayo. Built in the mid-16th century, it belonged to Richard Burke, who had to give it up on divorce to his former wife Grace O’Malley, a famous Irish pirate.
Rockfleet Castle is a 4-storey fortified tower, rising to a height of over 18 metres. Open to the public all year round, the château was built on the seafront. It was restored by a wealthy American owner in the 1950s, and has benefited from a very special renovation, using materials corresponding to those used in the 16th century.
A true jewel of Irish heritage, the castle is now owned by the Irish state. Everything can be visited: from the second floor with its astonishing ladder, to the crow’s nest hidden in one of the walls of the building’s secret passage. Only the door to the top floor is padlocked for security reasons.
A small exhibition recounts the great moments of Grace O’Malley, the Irish pirate who left her mark on Irish history through her many battles, both on land and at sea…
Want to extend your visit without having to rush around? Here are a few well-located places to stay near the must-see attractions.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
53.896066, -9.627089
45 minutes
5€ for the crossing, the visit of the castle is free
