Grace O'Malley or Gráinne Mhaol has been called the pirate queen because she controlled the waters around her native Mayo and the rest of Connaught during the turbulent 16th Century. The daughter of the sea faring Irish chieftain, Owen O'Malley, Grace was born in 1530.

She became closely involved in her family trading activities with Europe, the transport and trade in Gallowglass soldiers from Scotland and regular raids on Scottish ports and strongholds. There were many complaints about her exploits and accusations that she was behaving like a pirate. She built up great wealth and as a powerful female figure, was written about favourably by many at the time.

A born fighter, O'Malley proved a match for both her English and Irish rivals. Her momentous decision in 1593 to meet with Queen Elizabeth and plead her case against the English Governor, Sir Richard Bingham, proved a masterstroke and succeeded in gaining the desired relief. It is said that her meeting with Elizabeth was conducted in Latin, as O'Malley spoke little English and Elizabeth no Irish.

Perhaps aptly she died in 1603 the same year as the English Queen.

Grace O'Malley is featured in Mercier's new title, Mná na hÉireann, an excellent profile of over 50 outstanding women from Irish History.