Grace O'Malley

Who was Grace O'Malley?

Grace O'Malley was Queen of Umaill, chieftain of the Ó Máille clan and a pirate in 16th-century Ireland. She is commonly known by her nickname Granuaile in Irish folklore, and a historical figure in 16th-century Irish history, and is sometimes known as "The Sea Queen of Connaught". Biographies of her have been written primarily in the 20th and 21st centuries by the historian Anne Chambers.

Her name appears in contemporary documents as Grany O'Maly, Graney O'Mally or Grany Imallye, Granny Nye Male, Grany O'Mayle, Granie ny Maille, Granny ni Maille, Grany O'Mally, Grayn Ny Mayle, Grane ne Male, Grainy O'Maly, and Granee O'Maillie.