Born on the shores of Clew Bay in Co. Mayo, Grace O’Malley (Gráinne ‘Mhaol’ Uí Mháille, c. 1530–1603) was a woman before her time. One contemporary commentator noted of the strong and confident noblewoman and fearless sea captain, who controlled the seas of Connacht: ‘Grany O’Maly thinketh herself to be no small lady’.

About 1546, she married Domhnall ‘An Chogaidh’ O’Flaherty of Bunowen Castle, Ballynahinch in Connemara, thus uniting two prominent Gaelic families of the West, and one of her sons from this marriage (Murrough-ne-Maor O’Flaherty) was buried in the Franciscan Abbey in Galway in 1626. Join Anne Chambers as she discusses the life and times of Grace O’Malley with special reference to her many connections with Galway.

Chambers is the author of the definitive, international bestselling book, Grace O’Malley: The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen 1530-1603, which the Sunday Tribune hailed as ‘a historical reality which is equally if not more compelling than the legend.’

This event is free of charge, but advance booking is essential as places are strictly limited. For further details or to make a booking, please contact the Museum on (091) 532460 or email museum@galwaycity.ie