Helen Hooker and Ernie O’Malley rented a house in Louisburgh, Co. Mayo in the summer of 1938. They travelled around Mayo including Clew Bay and its many islands. On one excursion, they visited Clare Island on the day of the annual hooker sailboat regatta. Currach rowing boats also would have raced. Michael Murray, his wife, daughter, and other island friends gather near the base of Granuaile’s Clare Island castle. Granuaile, or Grace O’Malley, was known as the “Pirate Queen of Ireland“ (1530-1603). This 16th century square keep is one of several castles around Clew Bay.
|
