This small but rather charming museum is devoted to a particularly cool local hero: Grace O’Malley, also known as “the Pirate Queen”. Today she is feted as a defender of the rights of the people of Mayo as much as for being a ruthless pirate—but the pirate stuff is more fun. The center, set in a former church building, offers a historical film, some engaging exhibits that tell the story of O’Malley’s life, and displays on the wider history of the area, particularly during the Great Famine. A short drive from the Roonagh Harbour ferry to Clare Island, it makes a worthwhile introduction to O’Malley’s life and times, but call ahead first if getting here involves more than a minor detour—opening times can be a little unpredictable, especially in winter.

 

 

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