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Granuaile Heritage Centre & Famine Exhibition

County Mayo


Acquire an illuminating glimpse into the life and times of Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Ní Mháille or Granuaile; 1530–1603), the infamous pirate queen of Connaught, as well as details of the horrors of the local Famine.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby County Mayo attractions

1. Carrowmore

0.68 MILES

The sheltered, broad beach at Carrowmore, just west of Louisburgh village, offers good views of Croagh Patrick and has a lifeguard on duty in summer.

2. Old Head

1.85 MILES

Head east from Louisburgh for a couple of kilometres and look out for the turning north to the pleasant and secluded beach at Old Head.

3. Granuaile's Castle

6.28 MILES

Associated with the pirate queen Grace O'Malley, this compact castle tower was her stronghold, although it was altered considerably when the coastguard…

4. National Famine Memorial

7.05 MILES

Opposite the car park on the far side of the road is the National Famine Memorial, a spine-chilling sculpture of a three-masted ghost ship wreathed in…

5. Murrisk Abbey

7.07 MILES

Murrisk Abbey was founded by the O'Malleys in 1547. Its scant remains sit beside the shore; a path leads here from beside the National Famine Memorial.

6. Clare Island Abbey

7.62 MILES

The chancel roof of 13th-century Clare Island Abbey is dotted with faded fragments of murals, dating from around 1500. Look out too for the tomb reputed…

7. Knockmore

9.21 MILES

A hike up 462m Knockmore in the northwest of the island rewards with superb views over Clare Island's sheep-dotted moorlands to the mainland beyond.

8. Grace O'Malley's Castle

9.84 MILES

The 40ft-high, 15th-century tower house rising beside the shore at Kildownet is associated with the pirate queen Grace O'Malley. Entering through a steel…