Gable End Of Saint Dympna`s Church, 18th Century Achill Mayo Ireland Editorial Photo

The present church dates to the 18th century and contains the graves of many islanders who perished during the Great Famine. Mayo was the worst affected county in the famine with some 350,000 inhabitants perishing or emigrating across the Atlantic. It stands on the site of another church, built by Grace O`Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connaught, so that her household staff could nip down from nearby Kildavnet Castle and confess their sins. Kildavnet is a fine example of a 15th century Irish tower house, a slim 13 metre high stone-roofed keep, built by Grace`s grandfather. It`s worth spending a moment here, reading the gravestones, pondering the waters and the sands, trying to envision how life was on Achill. Just a short walk along the shore line to the right of the church you will find the Holy Well of St. Dympna which is said to contain some cures.