In the mid-sixteenth century one extraordinary woman was commanding fleets, brokering political alliances, and ruling the seas of the West of Ireland with unflinching resolve. That woman was Gráinne Ní Mháille—better known to many as Gráinne Mhaol or Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s Pirate Queen.

Born on the shores of Clew Bay in Co. Mayo, Gráinne Ní Mháille (Grace O’Malley, c. 1530–1603) was a woman before her time. One contemporary commentator noted of the strong and confident noblewoman and fearless sea captain, who controlled the seas of Connacht:

‘Grany O’Maly thinketh herself to be no small lady’.

About 1546, she married Domhnall ‘An Chogaidh’ O’Flaherty of Bunowen Castle, Ballynahinch in Connemara, thus uniting two prominent Gaelic families of the West, and one of her sons from this marriage (Murrough-ne-Maor O’Flaherty) was buried in the Franciscan Abbey in Galway in 1626.

In March 2025, Anne Chambers gave a talk at Galway City Museum to explore Gráinne’s life and legacy, with a particular focus on her numerous ties to Galway. That talk is now available to view on the link below.  Chambers is the author of the definitive, international bestselling book, Grace O’Malley: The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen 1530–1603, which the Sunday Tribune praised as

‘a historical reality which is equally if not more compelling than the legend.’

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kirsten Sheridan has recently secured the rights to the book, with production set to begin next year (2026). Grace O’Malley: The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen 1530–1603 by Anne Chambers (Gill Books).

Grace O’Malley: The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen 1530–1603 by Anne Chambers is available now from Gill Books.

Explore Gráinne Ní Mháille’s full historical profile via the Dictionary of Irish Biography.

See the Keepers of the Gael exhibition on the first floor at Galway City Museum for more on this fascinating period of Irish history.  Plan your next visit soon!