Grace O'Malley
Rockfleet Castle, Clew Bay, County Mayo, Ireland
What happened
Grace O'Malley was born around 1530 into a seafaring family that controlled Clew Bay, on Ireland's west coast. She led fleets of ships that traded, collected tolls from passing ships and raided rival clans and ships. In 1593, when an English governor imprisoned her son, she sailed to England to ask Queen Elizabeth I for help in person.
Why it matters
She was a powerful woman leader at a time when that was very rare. She is one of Ireland's most famous historical figures, though many stories about her are legends.
What came next
After their meeting at Greenwich, Elizabeth I ordered her son to be released. Grace O'Malley died around 1603, most likely at Rockfleet Castle.
Did you know?
The name of her castle, Rockfleet, means 'rock of the fleet'.
Timeline
- c. 1530Grace O'Malley is born in County Mayo, Ireland.
- 1593Her son Tibbot is imprisoned by the English governor Sir Richard Bingham.
- September 1593She meets Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich.
- c. 1603She dies, most likely at Rockfleet Castle.