Singer-songwriter to record Grace O’Malley tribute with Mayo musicians

A UK-based singer-songwriter is heading to Westport this month to record a new song celebrating the life and legacy of Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley.

Dawn-Maria Kelly plans to record the track at Clew Bay Recording Studio, working with local engineer and producer Bartholomew de Boer and a group of musicians from the area.

The project aims to capture the character and musical heritage of the West of Ireland by recording the song in the heart of Grace O’Malley’s homeland.

The inspiration came during Dawn-Maria’s recent travels through Mayo, when she explored Clew Bay, Clare Island and Achill Island and became fascinated by the region’s landscape and history.

“I took boat trips around Clew Bay, visited Clare Island and Achill Island and became completely entranced,” she said. “Grace O’Malley’s story is so cinematic and powerful. I knew immediately that I wanted to write a piece that honoured her and from her point of view.”

She said recording the song in Mayo, alongside local musicians, was central to the project.

“It wouldn’t feel right to record it anywhere else but Clew Bay in Mayo alongside some of the musicians who carry the same heritage in their bones,” she said.

The track will blend contemporary folk-rock with traditional Irish musical elements, bringing a modern sound to the story of Granuaile and the O’Malley clan.

Among the musicians expected to feature are violinist Kiaran O’Malley and uilleann pipe player Leonard Barry. The final line-up of instrumentalists is currently being confirmed.

The recording will take place at Clew Bay Recording Studio, with Bartholomew de Boer overseeing the production.

The project brings together an international songwriter and local musical talent in a tribute to one of the most recognisable figures in Irish history, with the landscape and heritage of Clew Bay at its heart.