Step back in time to explore the island stronghold of Mayo’s warrior queen

Check out Clare Island’s many defensive structures and its harbourside castle while taking in expansive views over a pristine wilderness dotted with picturesque lakes

Clare Island Harbour, with Clare Island Castle, the 16th century Grace O’Malley stronghold, visible in the background above the harbour walls.

In every generation, there are free-spirited people who resolutely refuse to accept the constraints of society. One such was Mayo woman Grace O’Malley, who was born in 1530. Known as Granuaile or Gráinne Mhaol (Bald Gráinne), she earned this moniker by cutting her hair to disguise herself as a boy and thus be allowed to join a ship’s crew.

In medieval times, gender roles were rigidly defined with social and economic structures that had men in public, powerful roles, while women were largely confined to the home. Defying the societal expectations that constrained women, Grace became the chieftain of the O’Malley's. The clan held territory in and around Clew Bay, Co Mayo, but the family tradition was a seafaring one. Following in their footsteps, Grace became a seafarer and pirate who exacted black rent from those fishing off the West Coast of Ireland. Primarily based on Clare Island, she commanded a fleet of ships and a small army.