It has been more than 500 years since the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley, commanded the seas from Scotland to Spain from the west coast of Ireland. Can any modern day woman match the determination and bravery of this great Irish legend? The organisers of a new adventure race have thrown down the gauntlet to the women of Ireland. This event will take place on Saturday September 14 on Clare Island. The race course is over 26.6km and involves running, cycling, climbing, and walking the plank. The adventure race is part the Festival of the Pirate Queen which will run for the first time from September 13 to 15.
This new festival - celebrating the life of Grace O’Malley, one of the most inspirational women in Irish history – will take place throughout Clew Bay, the land base for her sea-faring adventures and her old stomping ground. Enjoy a whole range of heritage events, outdoor adventure activity, sailing, entertainment, food and drink throughout the bay in Westport, Clare Island, Louisburgh, Newport, and Achill Island.
There is something for everyone whether it is sampling the delights of craft beer at the Grainne Ale Festival at Westport House, enjoying the spectacle of traditional Yawl Racing on Achill Island, learning the story behind the legend through the many heritage tours, shows and lectures on offer, not to mention heaps of live entertainment across Clew Bay including a medieval village with re-enactments, street performers, Irish music, song and dance.
