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7th March 2025
01:22pm GMT
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political triumphs—but it’s also a rallying cry for real, urgent action to achieve gender equality. Every year on March 8th, communities worldwide come together not just to applaud how far we've come, but to push harder for the change that’s still needed.
Despite making up more than half the population, women are still massively sidelined when it comes to entrepreneurship. In Ireland, only 11.3% of entrepreneurial activity was driven by women in 2021, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. Sure, that placed Ireland third among participating EU countries, but honestly, third place with such a low number? Hardly a trophy to brag about.
So in the spirit of outrage, support, and protest here are some of the women defying the odds and making waves in Ireland that you can support this IWD (and every day).
Megan Nolan Walsh captures the vibrant heart of Irish culture through colourful scarves, especially reimagined Claddagh designs. Each creation celebrates traditional Irish motifs with a contemporary twist, perfect for adding vivid flair to everyday outfits or special occasions. Her designs embody creativity, heritage, and Irish pride.
How to support: Shop online or visit Golly Gosh in Temple Bar.
Victory Nwabu-Ekeoma is amplifying immigrant voices in Ireland’s food scene through Bia! Magazine, a vibrant publication dedicated to showcasing the impact of migrant communities on Irish food culture. Inspired by late-night binges of Parts Unknown and a deep appreciation for how food connects people to their heritage, she launched Bia! with nothing but ambition and local council funding. The 100-page debut issue captured the stories of chefs, food entrepreneurs, and home cooks who are redefining what Irish food looks like today—from curry houses to taco trucks. What started as a passion project quickly gained momentum, proving there was a hunger for these stories. Now, as she prepares to release a third issue, Nwabu-Ekeoma continues to balance her editorial work with her role at an NGO fighting for reproductive health rights worldwide.
How to support: Read Bia! Magazine and follow its journey online.
Emilie Pine writes piercingly honest essays confronting deeply personal themes including infertility, addiction, and feminism. Her work breaks silences, building solidarity through shared experiences. Pine’s prose not only enlightens but profoundly connects, providing strength and insight for readers navigating similar journeys.
How to support: Buy her books.
Jess Murphy, the driving force behind Kai in Galway, has redefined Irish dining with her bold, produce-driven approach. Originally from New Zealand, Murphy champions the best of Ireland’s seasonal ingredients, working closely with local farmers, fishers, and producers to craft dishes that are both deeply rooted in place and globally inspired. Her food is vibrant, unpretentious, and full of heart, reflecting her commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and the joy of good eating. Beyond the kitchen, she is a vocal advocate for migrant food culture, championing diversity in Irish gastronomy and mentoring the next generation of chefs.
How to support: Dine at Kai in Galway or follow her work online.
Keilidh Cashell, a beauty influencer-turned-entrepreneur, founded KASH Beauty to deliver shimmering palettes, lip oils, and bronzers adored by makeup lovers. Her vibrant, versatile products empower individual expression, making beauty accessible and fun for everyone.
How to support: Shop online.
Tara Gartlan crafts luxurious chocolates featuring premium Irish ingredients. Her handcrafted confections are indulgent, beautifully presented, and ideal for thoughtful gifting or personal treats, encapsulating excellence in artisanal chocolate-making.
How to support: Shop online.
Eva Pau, as commercial director of Asia Market, has been instrumental in modernising and expanding Ireland’s largest Asian food retailer, wholesaler, and distributor. Building on the legacy of her parents, Howard and Helen Pau, who founded the business in 1981, she has overseen its transformation into a dynamic, digitally integrated operation. Under her leadership, the online shop has flourished, growing from a modest selection of 100 products to a vast offering of over 3,500. With a background in finance and advanced degrees in IT and organisational change, Pau seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, ensuring that Asia Market remains the go-to destination for authentic Asian ingredients in Ireland.
How to support: Shop in-store at Asia Market’s Dublin locations or online.
Sahara ethically curates vibrant fashion and interiors from African communities, reinvesting profits into supporting makers. Barikisu Ali Telfer’s store celebrates diverse craftsmanship, fosters ethical trading relationships, and promotes sustainability through every beautifully sourced product.
How to support: Shop online or visit in-store in Dun Laoghaire.
Foxes Bow, an innovative whiskey brand founded by Alice Carroll, combines distinctive rye-cask flavours with playful collaborations. Carroll redefines traditional whiskey narratives, creating products that resonate with new generations of whiskey enthusiasts.
How to support: Shop online.
Lily Ramirez-Foran is Ireland’s leading voice for authentic Mexican cuisine, bringing the flavours and traditions of her homeland to Dublin through Picado Mexican Pantry. Alongside her husband Alan Foran, she curates a carefully selected range of high-quality Mexican ingredients at their boutique grocery store in Portobello, which also serves as a teaching space for hands-on cooking classes. A regular guest chef on Irish television and a member of Euro-Toques Ireland, Ramirez-Foran is dedicated to sharing the depth and diversity of Mexican food culture. Her debut cookbook, Tacos (Blasta Books), was praised by Nigella Lawson as a must-read, cementing her influence on Ireland’s evolving food landscape.
How to support: Visit Picado Mexican Pantry in Dublin, join a cooking class, or buy her cookbook.
Caelainn Hogan courageously explores Ireland’s challenging history in her investigative book, Republic of Shame. Her rigorous research combined with compassionate storytelling exposes historical abuses against women, promoting necessary dialogue and societal reflection.
How to support: Buy her books.
Aoife Harvey creates bespoke, sustainable corsets from recycled materials, blending couture with environmental consciousness. Her designs champion individuality and sustainability, offering distinctive fashion statements uniquely tailored to each wearer.
How to support: Follow and shop via Instagram.
Domini and Peaches Kemp are two of Ireland’s most influential restaurateurs, known for their innovative approach to food and hospitality. With a diverse portfolio that includes Itsa, Alchemy Juice Co, Joe’s, and high-end dining ventures in Brown Thomas Dublin and Cork, they have shaped Ireland’s modern café and restaurant scene. Beyond business, both sisters are deeply committed to philanthropy—Domini has led an entrepreneurship programme for inmates at Wheatfield Prison, while Peaches has supported the Hope Foundation in Kolkata. Domini, an acclaimed food writer, has authored five cookbooks and contributes regularly to Food & Wine magazine. Together, the Kemp sisters continue to redefine Irish dining while championing social change.
How to support: Dine at their restaurants or explore Domini’s cookbooks.
Tramp Press, co-founded by Lisa Coen and Sarah Davis-Goff, publishes groundbreaking literary voices, particularly overlooked women writers. Their independent publishing house disrupts industry norms, championing essential narratives that deserve recognition and acclaim.
How to support: Buy books published Tramp Press.
Aisling Rogerson, co-founder of The Fumbally, has helped shape one of Dublin’s most beloved food spaces—a café that is as much a community hub as it is a restaurant. Since opening in 2012 with her business partner Luca D’Alfonso, The Fumbally has championed sustainability, creativity, and an egalitarian kitchen culture where every dish earns its place. More than just a café, it has become an incubator for Ireland’s next generation of chefs and food entrepreneurs, with alumni going on to establish ventures like Scéal Bakery, Elmhurst Cottage Farm, and more. Rogerson’s vision has made The Fumbally a vital space for food, conversation, and collaboration in the heart of the Liberties.
How to support: Visit The Fumbally for food, events, and workshops.
Claire Ryan and Steph Hutch deliver stunning seasonal floral arrangements across Dublin and Ireland. Each creation uniquely celebrates life's special moments, providing extraordinary, handcrafted beauty tailored to personal tastes and occasions.
How to support: Shop online.
Áine Kennedy's Smooth Company offers innovative haircare tools like the viral Smooth Stick and Mane Master brush, simplifying sleek, polished hairstyles. Her products combine functionality with style, empowering easy, everyday elegance.
How to support: Shop online or at Brown Thomas.
Aishling Moore is redefining seafood dining in Ireland with her sustainability-driven approach at Goldie in Cork. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021, Goldie operates on a whole catch philosophy, ensuring that whatever the Ballycotton day boats bring in is used to its fullest potential. Moore’s fin-to-tail ethos minimises waste while celebrating the depth of Irish seafood, offering dishes that are as resourceful as they are flavourful. Beyond the restaurant, she is passionate about encouraging children to eat more fish, introducing initiatives like free meals for younger diners on the first Wednesday of each month. With her skill, vision, and commitment to sustainability, Moore is setting a new standard for Irish fish cookery.
How to support: Dine at Goldie in Cork.
Vanessa O'Loughlin provides extensive support to emerging Irish writers through workshops, consultancy, and online resources. Her initiatives nurture literary talent, guiding authors toward publishing success and enriching Ireland's vibrant literary culture.
How to support: Engage with workshops or visit Writing.ie.
Together Rachel and Ciara are Howard. They create playful prints and vibrant homeware that capture current trends and uplift everyday spaces. Their products inject personality and joy into homes, making ideal gifts that delight and inspire.
How to support: Shop online.
Róisín Curley has carved out a remarkable space for herself in the world of fine wine, bridging the gap between Mayo and Burgundy with her négociant vinificateur label, Maison Róisín Curley. A pharmacist by training, her passion for wine led her from the Rhine Valley to Montpellier, where she earned a MSc in viticulture and enology. In 2015, she achieved what many thought impossible—making her own Burgundy wines without owning a vineyard, sourcing exceptional grapes and producing just 1,800 bottles in her first vintage. Now crafting up to 9,000 bottles annually, her wines have earned international acclaim. In 2020, she joined the elite ranks of Master of Wine holders, one of only 418 in the world, and now mentors others on the path to this prestigious title.
How to support: Seek out and enjoy Maison Róisín Curley wines.
Mae, helmed by chef Gráinne O'Keefe, presents refined modern Irish cuisine in an elegant dining setting. Her innovative dishes reflect Ireland’s rich culinary heritage, offering unforgettable dining experiences.
How to support: Reserve a table.
Róisín Lawlor’s vegan eatery The Saucy Cow serves indulgent plant-based burgers and loaded fries. Currently at Eatyard and soon opening a permanent spot, her creations redefine vegan comfort food with bold flavours and generosity.
How to support: Visit Eatyard or follow for updates.
Vritti Bansal is a boundary-pushing food and travel journalist reshaping how culinary criticism is approached. Originally from New Delhi and now making waves in Dublin, she has contributed to Time Out Delhi, India Today Group Digital, The Irish Times, and National Geographic Traveller India. Her sharp storytelling and fearless approach to food writing earned her a Food Writing Award in 2023 for her work in The Irish Times. Bansal launched Turned Tables, a bold new restaurant review series that challenges the status quo. Each establishment receives two reviews: the first flipping the script on traditional food criticism by examining “white” cuisine through the lens often applied to “brown” food, and the second offering a more conventional take. With this daring dual format, Bansal refuses to dilute her insights, ensuring her work remains as thought-provoking as it is essential.
How to support: Follow Turned Tables and read her work across platforms.
Mealla's Hatch cafes in Sandycove and Blackrock Village provide top-quality specialty coffee alongside friendly neighbourhood charm. Favoured by sea swimmers and coffee lovers alike, Hatch creates warm, welcoming community hubs.
How to support: Visit locations in Sandycove and Blackrock Village.
Emer's Kitchen on Leeson Street serves freshly prepared salads, snacks, and baked treats, offering genuine warmth alongside delicious fare. A go-to spot for tasty, wholesome nourishment with a welcoming atmosphere.
How to support: Visit on Leeson Street.
Ngozi Elobuike is redefining Dublin’s wine culture through Hi-Spirits Wine Club, the city’s premier Black-led wine collective. Founded in June 2023, the club is a celebration of diversity, community, and storytelling through carefully curated wine experiences. Inspired by her early encounters with winemaking in California’s Lodi region and a formative stint as a kitchen porter at London’s Vagabond wine chain, Elobuike developed a deep appreciation for wine’s ability to bridge cultures.
How to support: Attend a Hi-Spirits Wine Club event or follow their journey online.
Jenny McNally transformed her family farm into an organic produce haven, providing fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables online and at markets. Supporting McNally Farm means investing in local agriculture, community health, and sustainable food practices.
How to support: Shop online or visit markets and their North Dublin HQ.
Kristin Jensen is reshaping Irish food publishing through Nine Bean Rows Books, the independent press she launched in 2021. With over 20 years of experience as an editor and writer, she set out to create a platform that amplifies diverse voices and explores underrepresented cuisines and food cultures. Her imprint, Blasta Books, has quickly gained international recognition, earning a spot on The Observer’s list of “50 things we love in the world of food right now” in 2022. Originally from Chicago, Jensen moved to Ireland “for love” in 1991 and has since become a driving force in Irish food media. A former secretary and chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild, she is committed to expanding the conversation around food through bold, beautifully designed cookbooks that celebrate storytelling as much as recipes.
How to support: Buy books from Nine Bean Rows and Blasta Books.
Ríon Hannora is a Dublin-based zero-waste fashion designer and stylist redefining slow fashion in Ireland. As the organiser of Dublin Independent Fashion Weekend, she champions innovative Irish designers while creating garments that transform the body into a walking exhibition. Having styled artists like Kate Nash, CMAT, and Faye O’Rourke, her own personal style is fluid and playful, shifting between masc jorts and feminine frocks. Rejecting high-street shopping, she favours vintage, charity finds, and upcycled pieces, opposing ‘haul culture’ by ensuring every item in her wardrobe holds meaning. Passionate about conscious consumerism, she advocates for garment care and mindful shopping as a way to honour the craftsmanship behind clothing.
How to support: Follow Ríon’s work and seek out Irish independent designers.
