A tale of Olde Ireland steeped in history, myth and mystery, everlasting friendships and the love for all mankind. It's been said that she's not truly of this world. She is thought to be a selkie, a half seal half human being from the sea, who, in her latter form, will never age beyond maidenhood. But this is forbidden to speak of. What is known for certain is that Grace O'Malley enjoys a privileged youth as the daughter of a clan chieftain in 16th century Ireland, but is forced to endure much brutality and heartache before ultimately transforming herself into one of the most feared and revered pirates of all time. It is her Destiny. And Destiny will be honored.

From piracy to nunnery via murder, the scaffold, and rescue by Queen Elizabeth, Pirate Queen tells the sensational story of Grace O'Malley, terror of the seas.

Bestselling Irish-American author Malachy McCourt takes a fascinating historical look at the traditional folk song, Danny Boy, discovering its origin, lyricist, and the moving heritage that has grown around it. Everyone can hum this haunting Irish ballad that inevitably brings a tear to the eye. The most requested Irish song, it has been recorded by a variety of performers ranging from Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, and Kate Smith to the Pogues. The complete story of this moving tune has been shrouded in mystery until now. Where did "Danny Boy" originate, who actually wrote the lyrics, and is it even Irish? Acclaimed novelist, actor, memoirist, screenwriter, playwright, and raconteur, Malachy McCourt, turns his Irish eye to the song's complex history and myths in an eloquent ode to this classic. He traces the evolution of the music, which is one of more than 100 songs composed to the very same tune, including the familiar "Londonderry Air," and explores the enduring mystique of "Danny Boy" in an unforgettable tribute that brilliantly weaves history with folklore.

Over 400 years ago Granuaile became a legend. As both Pirate Queen and Chieftain of the O'Malley clan, Granuaile or Grace O'Malley, challenged the accepted ideas of sixteenth century Ireland. She manipulated the turbulent political environment, ignoring conventions, to become one of the most powerful leaders in the country. Using state papers and manuscripts of the period, Anne Chambers reveals the woman behind the legend.

Grace O'Malley is the story of one remarkable woman's quest for survival and fulfilment, by land and by sea. In 1979, Anne Chambers' original biography of Ireland's pirate queen, airbrushed from historical record over the centuries, put her on the map once again. The biography became a milestone in Irish publishing and the catalyst for the restoration of Grace O'Malley to political, social and maritime history, as well as establishing her as an inspirational female role model. In the 40th anniversary edition of this international bestselling biography, drawn from rare contemporary manuscript records, the author presents Ireland's great pirate queen not as a vague mythological figure but as one of the world's most extraordinary female leaders. Political pragmatist and tactician, rebel, intrepid mariner and pirate, wife, lover, mother, grandmother and matriarch, the 'most notorious woman in all the coasts of Ireland', Grace O'Malley challenged and triumphed over the social and political barriers she encountered in the course of her long, pioneering life. This updated edition brings one of the world's first recorded feminist trailblazers to a new generation awakened to the global focus on gender equality as well as positive ageing. Praise for Anne Chambers' Granuaile: 'Draws a vivid picture of the trailblazing pirate queen.' Irish Examiner 'You cannot be what you cannot see, and with women all too often airbrushed from history, the importance of this biography cannot be underestimated.' Orla O'Connor, Director, National Women's Council of Ireland 'A superbly researched work ... it salvages the 16th century Mistress of the Western Waves from the rather frivolous folklore which surrounds her.' The Irish Times 'A historical reality which is equally if not more compelling than the legend.' Sunday Tribune 'Grace O'Malley ... a woman who can truly claim to have been 400 years before her time ... and Anne Chambers' biography is as innovative as its subject.' Enda Kenny, former Taoiseach of Ireland

Staying with her grandparents over the summer while her parents are on tour for their latest book, eleven-year-old Maebelle struggles to find her true talent and tries to compete with her newly adopted African American cousin.

A captivating retelling of the story of Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen of Ireland.Grace is a true daughter of the fearsome O'Malley clan, and while still a child she yearns to help her father fight to keep Henry VIII's invading English armies out of Ireland. But battlefields are not seen as places for women, and for years she must sit idly at home while her father and her husband march off to defend their homeland. When English conspirators brutally murder her husband, though, Grace will remain idle no longer. She herself leads men into battle on the high seas, where her prowess as a sailor and her ability with a sword quickly gain her a reputation as The Pirate Queen of Ireland. But this reputation will place her own life and the lives of her entire family in danger, and will lead her to confront the most powerful woman in England, Queen Elizabeth I.