Ireland Had a Pirate Queen - Apparently.
Granuaile, a 16th-century Irish noblewoman, was known for her bravery and cunning on the high seas. She amassed a fleet of ships and commanded a crew of over 1,000 pirates, raiding English shipping lanes and collecting a vast fortune. Born in 1530, Granuaile's exploits have become legendary in Irish folklore, and she remains one of the most famous female pirates in history. In 1577, she was even granted a pardon by Queen Elizabeth I, allowing her to retire from piracy and live out her days as a respected member of Irish society.