Source: Heritage IrelandIf you crossed Grace O'Malley... Good luck to you.
FOR DECADES, she ruled the high-seas along Ireland’s rugged West Coast with an iron fist. Demanding respect and inspiring all those who followed her...
She rejected the traditional role of the 16th Century Woman, instead choosing a life of excitement, adventure and enterprise.
Grace O’Malley was, Ireland’s Pirate Queen.
“I would rather have a shipload of Conroys and MacAnallys than a shipload of gold’’ – Grace O’Malley
1- She was bold from a young age
It was clear from the very beginning, the lass from Mayo’s Clare Island wasn’t here to mess around...
Upon being told by her Father she couldn’t go on a trading expedition to Spain - because her long hair might get caught in the sails – the then 15-year old Grace just went and cut it all off.
Her reward? A trip to Spain. You go girl.
Caption: Like any Irishwoman, Grace really wanted that getaway to Spain.2- She had beauty, brawn AND brains.
Grace was extremely well educated for the times she lived in.
This was shown by the fact she spoke in Latin with Queen Elizabeth 1 upon meeting her in 1593.
That’s not all though... On top of Latin and her native Irish tongue, she was also fluent in Spanish, Scottish Gaelic, and French.
This came in quite handy during her many trading expeditions around Europe and the Mediterranean.
Beauty, brawn and brains... a lethal combination!
3- She was superhuman apparently...
They say you shouldn’t fly in your third trimester...
But what about a rough sea voyage through Pirate infested waters?
The story goes, Grace gave birth to her third child during a stormy expedition to the Mediterranean! As if that wasn’t enough...just a few hours after the birth, pirates attacked her ship.
Grace supposedly sprung to action, picked up her gun and joined in the fight on deck – which they won of course.
Wow. Just wow.
You don’t mess with an angry Mum...4- She played by her own rules.
What you saw was what you got with Grace O’Malley, she wouldn’t change for anyone - Not even the Queen of England.
Our Pirate Queen had a very famous and at times awkward encounter with Queen Elizibeth 1 in 1593...
Firstly, upon entering the room she had a hidden dagger confiscated by the Queens Guards. Not off to a great start.
She then caused gasps of shock and horror among the Queen’s dignitaries, when she tossed her dirty handkerchief into an open fireplace. A big no-no in England apparently.
Shock and horror AGAIN gripped the room when she refused to bow to Queen Liz. Because, well Gracie don't bow to no-one!
However, despite all of this, she was greatly respected by the Queen according to reports.
Good woman! She certainly has our undying respect too.
