Oscar-nominated filmmaker to bring Mayo’s Pirate Queen to the big screen
A major Hollywood production is set to shine a spotlight on Mayo’s most legendary historical figure, Gráinne Mhaol, with filming expected to begin in 2026.
Oscar-nominated Irish filmmaker Kirsten Sheridan has secured the rights to adapt “Grace O’Malley – The Biography of Ireland’s Pirate Queen by esteemed Castlebar author Anne Chambers.
The project, supported by Screen Ireland, will be produced by Wild Atlantic Pictures in collaboration with Los Angeles-based Reclaim Entertainment Ventures.
Gráinne Mhaol Ní Mháille, also known as Grace O’Malley or Granuaile, was a ferocious leader who defied convention and led a fleet of ships along the west coast of Ireland in the late 16th century.
Born in 1530, she was the daughter of the O’Malley clan chieftain and later took control of the O’Flaherty clan through marriage.
Speaking about the film, Sheridan described it as a "deeply personal passion project."
“Every Irish woman knows Grace O’Malley’s story. It is one of power, resilience, and rebellion. She defied gender norms, controlled her own destiny, and stood toe-to-toe with the most powerful woman in history,” Sheridan said.
The film will centre around Grace’s extraordinary meeting with Queen Elizabeth I. When Grace’s youngest son is taken prisoner, she sails up the Thames to confront the English monarch directly.
According to the producers, the story will explore how these two powerful women, leaders of warring nations, come to understand and respect each other over the course of a week.
Unlike traditional period dramas, the film is expected to take a raw and contemporary approach, exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and gender with a modern lens.
Sheridan, whose credits include “Say Nothing” and “Lockerbie”, has been lauded for her ability to craft compelling, character-driven narratives.
With the stunning landscapes of the west coast and Clare Island likely to feature prominently, Mayo could soon become the setting for one of the most anticipated historical films in years.