Gráinne Mhaol: Pirate Queeen of Mayo

Statue of Grace O'Malley the Irish Pirate — Statue of Grainne Mhaol Ni Mhaille (ga) (Grace O'Malley (en), 1530-1603), the Irish Pirate, located at
Westport House, Co. Mayo, Ireland

The Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley

The sea was in Grainne Mhaol's blood as the O'Malleys was a long-established seafaring clan. She got the name Grainne Mhaol when as a mere child, she cut off all her hair to disguise herself as a boy in order to board her father’s ship. At the time, it was thought unlucky to have a woman on board a ship. Even in her childhood, she displayed her determination and creativity.