For young readers, a story of immense bravery and daring, as Granuaile, the Pirate Queen, takes on the great Norman lords, smuggles weapons and mercenaries for the Ulster Gaelic O'Donnell and O'Neill clans and finally confronts Queen Elizabeth herself. In the 16th century, Granuaile was the most feared woman in Ireland, heading a large army and a fleet of ships, trading and raiding and demanding tribute from all who sailed through her territory. It was a time of decline of the Gaelic chieftains and traditions of Ireland as Elizabeth Tudor, the 'Virgin Queen' of England, extended her power throughout Ireland by bribery and slaughter.