Grace O'Malley

Gráinne O'Malley
Gráinne Ní Mháille
Grainne Mhaol Ni Mhaille statue Westport House, in Westport, County Mayo
Born	c. 1530 Umhaill, Connacht, Ireland
Died	c. 1603 (aged 72–73) most likely Rockfleet Castle, Ireland
Occupation(s)	Pirate, land-owner, sea-captain, political activist
Spouses	Dónal an Chogaidh Ó Flaithbheartaigh Richard "the Iron" Bourke
Children	Eóghain Ó Flaithbertaigh, Murchad Ó Flaithbertaigh, Meaḋḃ Ní Fhlaithbertaigh, Tibbott Bourke
Parents	Eóghan Dubhdara Ó Mháille (father) Me Ní Mháille (mother)
Piratical career
Nickname	Grace O'Malley, Gráinne Mhaol, Granuaile
Allegiance	Ó Máille
Commands	White Seahorse
Battles/wars	Nine Years War (Ireland)

Gráinne O'Malley, also known as Grace O'Malley or "The Pirate Queen" (citation needed), was a pirate from Ireland who lived from around 1530 to about 1603. She hailed from the Ó Máille dynasty in the western part of Ireland, and her father was Eóghan Dubhdara Ó Máille.

After her father's death, she married Dónal an Chogaidh Ó Flaithbheartaigh, which added to her wealth and influence. She owned a significant number of cows and horses.

In 1593, when English soldiers captured her sons and half-brother, Gráinne sailed to England to seek Queen Elizabeth I's help in getting them released.

Gráinne's life story mostly comes from English sources, as she isn't mentioned much in Irish records. However, in Irish folklore, she's known as Gráinne Mhaol or Gráinne Ní Mháille, and is celebrated as a significant figure in Irish history.

During Gráinne's lifetime, Ireland was undergoing significant changes due to increase in English control.

Gráinne's legacy is told through songs, stories, plays, and landmarks inspired by her life. Today, she's considered to be a symbol of female empowerment and strength; fighting for her and her people's freedom, and challenging authority.