In sixteenth-century Ireland, Grace O’Malley grows up longing for the sea, but her noble family expects marriage and obedience. Married to a neighbouring chief, she raises children while joining his campaigns against rival clans. When his death leaves her dispossessed, she returns to her childhood home and builds a life as a pirate captain, claiming territory and finding a new love. English expansion into Ireland brings a greater threat: her independence, livelihood and family become targets of the Elizabethan regime. Grace must use her skill, courage and political judgement to defend her people without surrendering the freedom she has fought to win.