Sports
In 2021, this Irish jockey became the first woman to win the Grand National, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.
Rachael Blackmore!
This Irish actress received her first Oscar nomination at 14 and has since starred in films such as "Lady Bird" and "Little Women".
Saoirse Ronan!
Introduced in 1930, this junior detective heroine has more than 200 volumes that detail her adventures.
Nancy Drew!
Known for her hit single "Nothing Compares 2U" this Irish singer and activist was as famous for her bold political statements as for her haunting voice (and shaved head).
Sinead O'Connor!
What colour is generally used to represent International Women's Day?
Purple!
This sprinter made history as the first Irish woman to run under 50 seconds in the 400 metres. She holds seven individual Irish national records, and has recently presented Ireland in the 2024 Olympics.
Rhasidat Adeleke!
An Academy Award nominee for her role in "Loving", this Irish and Ethiopian actress is known for her work on stage and screen.
Ruth Negga!
This African American author, professor, feminist and social activist was famous for laying the foundation for "intersectionality"-- the overlapping of race, class, and gender identities that combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege.
bell hooks (Gloria Jean Watkins)!
This woman served her time in office from 1990 to 1997. Thus, making her the first female President of Ireland.
Mary Robinson!
The first woman in Ireland and the UK to graduate with a degree in engineering, she paved the way for women in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
Alice Perry!
An incredibly talented Irish boxer, this woman's greatest moment came during the 2012 Olympics when she won the gold medal in the lightweight division.
A moment for the history books, she became the first Irish woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal.
Katie Taylor!
Hailing from Dublin, this Irish woman was an acclaimed actress during the Golden Age of Cinema. Some of her most well-known films include The Quiet Man and The Parent Trap.
Maureen O’Hara!
One of Ireland's most beloved novelists, her books such as "Circle of Friends" capture the warmth and wit of Irish life.
Maeve Binchy!
In 2020 she was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making her one of only 36 African American women to be inducted.
Whitney Houston!
Lead singer of The Cranberries, this Irish woman became an international star with songs like "Linger" and "Zombie".
Dolores O'Riordan
A well-known Irish athlete renowned for her incredible achievements in athletics and running, this woman is certainly one of Ireland’s most iconic and influential women.
Born in Cork in 1969, she has won several Olympic medals and set several world records, making her one of the most inspiring female athletes in the world.
Sonia O’Sullivan!
A director and animator, this Irish woman co-founded Cartoon Saloon and directed "The Breadwinner", a film nominated for Best Animated Feature.
Nora Twomey!
Born in the town of Tuamgraney in County Clare in 1930, this woman is a well-known Irish novelist, memoirist, short story writer, playwright, and poet.
Her work is renowned for its thought-provoking interrogation of themes such as Irish identity, sexuality, and the role of women in society.
Edna O’Brien!
Passionate and fearless, this Irish woman is known for her courageous reporting on crime and drug trafficking in Ireland during the 1990s, which she carried out all the way through to her assassination in 1996.
Veronica Guerin!
This British chemist played a critical role in discovering the structure of the DNA, and though often overshadowed, her contributions to molecular biology remain vital.
Rosalind Franklin!
With 12 All-Ireland titles, this legendary camogie player from Kilkenny is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of sport.
Angela Downey!
This American actress won 21 academy awards is also known as the "best actress of her generation".
Meryl Streep!
Winner of the Booker Prize for "The Gathering", she is an Irish novelist who explores Irish identity, family, and the woman's experience.
Anne Enright!
This African American abolitionist and women's rights activist escaped from slavery and became a powerful advocate for social justice. She delivered her famous "Ain't I a Woman?" speech at the 1851 Women's Rights Convention in Ohio, challenging prevailing notions of race and gender.
Sojourner Truth!
An Irish language poet, singer, and activist, this Irish woman helped inspire a revival of the Irish language and culture during the 20th century.
Caitlín Maude!