Granuaile: Ireland's Pirate Queen C. 1530-1603

Over 400 Years ago Granuaile became a legend. As both Pirate Queen and Gaelic Chieftain, Granuaile or Grace O'Malley, challenged the accepted ideas of sixteenth century Ireland. She manipulated the turbulent political environment, ignoring cultural conventions, to become one of the most powerful leaders in the country. The Invading English also talked about this '...most famous feminine sea captain'. The meeting of the two Queens, Granuaile and Elizabeth I, ensured that the legend grew until Granuaile became celebrated as one of the most notorious Irishwomen in Elizabeth England. Using State Papers and manuscripts of the period, Anne Chambers reveals the woman behind the legend and the unique contribution Granuaile made to Irish history. This new edition coincides with the 400th anniversary of Granuaile's death.