This small tower of stones is certainly a curious sight on the beach at Dookinella beach, at the far eastern end of Keel Strand on Achill Island, in Co. Mayo, Ireland. There are no markings as to what it’s supposed to be or who built it.

I’ve asked a few of the locals about it and they were stumped, as well. Some say that it appears to be a miniature of one of the towers of 16th Century leader Grace O’Malley – or Granuaile, the “Pirate Queen,” as she is known in Irish folklore – that dot the landscape of Ireland’s Western Coast. But that’s as close to an answer as anyone I’ve spoken to has been able to come up with.

If anyone can provide more information I’d be grateful.

– TMulloy