The principal residence of The Pirate Queen of the West

Rockfleet was one of many castles owned by Grainne O’Malley otherwise known as the Pirate Queen. Grace ruled much of the west coast of Ireland during the late 1500s and was constantly under attack from Queen Elizabeth I’s navy. Grainne Rockfleet was her safest castle as it er manThis was a strategic location chosen by Grace as is extremely difficult to attack at high or low tide. It also has many ingenious features designed to fend off attacks like blind doors and an anti-clockwise spiral staircase. Grace lived here after the death of her 2nd husband, Richard ‘Iron’ Burke in 1583. She had 20 ships moored here that were used to raid any ship that entered her territory. This included all cargo ships, English ships, and even ships from the Spanish Armada. Once, when the English captured her brother and some of her fleet Grace appealed directly to Queen Elizabeth in person. She sailed to England, passing up the Thames and into the Tower of London to request his release. Grace successfully negotiated with Elizabeth that she would forfeit her ships in return for her brother. Elizabeth however let her keep her vessels on the condition that she fought with, rather than against the English. This was honored until her death in 1603.