The amazing story of Eliza Lynch, the Irish ‘Queen of Paraguay’

Eliza Lynch, the Irish ‘Queen of Paraguay,’ is honored each year in her hometown of Charleville, Co Cork. Eliza Alice Lynch was born in Charleville, Co Cork in 1833 to John, a medical professional, and Elizabeth (nee Lloyd) Lynch. At the age of 10, Eliza and her family left Ireland to escape the Great Hunger and relocated to Paris, France. In June 1850, Eliza married French officer Xavier Quatrefages and shortly thereafter accompanied him to Algeria where he was stationed for duty. At 18 years…