International Women's Day: Celebrate remarkable women at Ireland's OPW locations

Ireland's Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced a series of tours and talks recognising remarkable women and their achievements for International Women’s Day 2025 at various OPW locations.

This initiative aims to promote and celebrate the stories of inspiring Irish women associated with our heritage sites, the OPW said while announcing its International Women's Day events.

“International Women’s Day provides a platform to reflect on progress and recognise the advancement of women worldwide," Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery at the OPW, said.

"We are delighted to showcase the contributions of women in our society throughout history and celebrate their impact on our cultural heritage."

Visitors will have the opportunity to hear about the lives of the inspiring women in Irish society and the influence they have played in shaping Ireland's communities. Talks will take place at various OPW locations including Donegal Castle, Custom House Visitors Centre, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Kilmainham Gaol Museum, and Pearse Museum.

For those unable to attend the talks in person, check the "her-story-and-her-itage" blog post, which features information about about Constance Markievicz, who was heavily involved in the revolutionary fight for Irish freedom and in Irish politics. Constance was imprisoned in Kilmainham Goal, Dublin.

You can also find out about the legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley, a formidable woman, asserting her leadership in a man’s world.

For those interested in a more visual experience, take a virtual art tour through the OPW's virtual art gallery - ‘Celebrating Female Irish Artists.'

International Women's Day 2025 offers a unique opportunity to learn about the inspiring women who have shaped Ireland's communities at OPW Heritage Sites. For more information, visit HeritageIreland.ie.

OPW sites hosting events for International Women's Day 2025

Donegal Castle: Iníon Dubh – The ‘Dark Daughter’ of Tír Chonaill

Custom House Event, Dublin: Women of the Custom House

Kilmainham Gaol Event, Dublin: Unsurrendered Spirits – The Prison Writings of Dorothy Macardle

Glendalough Event, Wicklow: The Role Women Played in the Early Irish Church

Pearse Museum, St Enda’s Park, Dublin: Across the Continent with Mrs. Margaret Pearse