10 Memorable Irish Women in History You Should Know About

Irish women have an impact on history that can’t be overlooked. Today, this article will celebrate and recognise the effects of some strong-willed, brave, dedicated and tenacious Irish Women in History.

How can one gauge memorability? Is memorable and inspirational defined as any single positive action in History that can be remembered? Not.

A memorable person should be blinded by their love for a cause, unselfish in their actions and stubborn to a fault. Extraordinary men or women in History shook the present and imparted the future by taking decisions some would consider “mad”.

Some actions of Irish women in History are deemed historic and unforgettable. Hence, we are writing about them today. These women stood up to opposition like David to Goliath.

They chose to break stereotypes and write their names in the History templates. In pursuing freedom and yearning for peace and equality, some women decided to be proactive every step of the way.

As much as every notable addition of people is spoken of, these women deserve to have their names spoken aloud so they may continue living.

Let’s look at 10 Irish Female Pioneers that changed the cause of Ireland and history. A pioneer is someone who is among the first persons to achieve something.

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10 Irish Female Pioneers In Irish History

These women are responsible for many advances in social movements in Ireland and for major global shifts and changes. These women have become an emblem of hope to other women worldwide to follow their dreams amidst strife and hiccups.

Irish women, with their characteristic hard attitude, use this in other areas of their life, as is evident in history. Irish women have influenced fields such as medicine, politics, art, etc.

Here are 10 Irish Female Pioneers In Irish History.

1. Constance Markievicz

Madame Markievicz is a political pioneer who fought for the independence of Ireland. She was an essential pillar in Ireland and gave her life to its worthy cause. She is the first woman to be elected to Westminister parliament.

Constance Markievicz was a magnet of change and drew people with like minds and purpose to herself. She was among the first female cabinet ministers in Europe.

2. Kathleen Lynn

Out of concern for poverty and disease among people of West Ireland, she decided to be a doctor at 16. She was dedicated to children’s health and welfare in Ireland. How?

She founded the first children’s hospital in Ireland. Among these, she actively participated in the suffragist, labour and nationalist movement alongside Constance Markievicz and Helena Molony.

3. Helena Molony

Helena Molony was an actress, republican, trade unionist and feminist. She was part of the 1916 easter rising. The 1916 Rising was a seminal event led by men and women with aspirations for a different type of Ireland.

The new Ireland would guarantee religious and civil liberty. There was hope for happiness and prosperity. This fight began the liberation and the struggle towards an Independent Ireland.

4. Delia Larkin

When reading the story of Larkin, there is a famous saying: “I was forced into this quiet life against all inclination.” She said this in her old age, and it seemed like a sad ending for such a motivated and vibrant soul.

She was the founder of the women’s trade union in Ireland. She was a suffragist advocate and a feminist.

5. Julia Grenan

Julia was also a veteran of the 1916 easter rising. She founded the free speech league while continuously opposing censorship. She was a friend of Elizabeth O’ Farell.

6. Elizabeth O’ Farell

The story of Elizabeth is one of courage, heroism, strength and deception. She was known for delivering the surrender in the easter rising. When defeat was nigh, Her general Patrick Pearse sent Elizabeth with a white flag to surrender from the British commander, Brigadier General Lowe.

She was welcomed into the camp, and everything was sorted out. When both parties were taking a picture to commemorate such a significant day, Elizabeth stepped a bit behind. While her shoes were visible in the picture, she was later edited off.

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7. Dr James Barry

James Barry held a female gender at birth and is believed to be a trans man. This little-known fact stands as a focal point in the history of queer and trans surgeon. James Barry also performed the first cesarean section in the British Empire.

8. Rosie Hackett

One of the founding members of the Irish Women Workers Union. She is also a 1916 easter rising veteran who contributed to Ireland’s fight for freedom in no small way. She was a Trade Unionist who positively changed the working conditions of women.

9. Kathleen McNulty Antonelli

Kathleen was a pioneer of the computer revolution. She is Irish-born and one of the six original programmers of ENIAC. With an evident love for mathematics, it wasn’t surprising to see Kathleen’s rise in the then “tech world”. Apart from being the pioneer of the computer revolution, being Irish-born makes her an Irish Pioneer.

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10. Agnes Mary Clerke

The History of Astronomy would be Incomplete without mentioning Agnes Mary Clerke. She first looked at the stars with her father’s telescope, and an inspirational love story began. Her bond with astronomy grew, and she published her book while bagging merited awards.

Those are 10 Memorable women in Irish History and noteworthy pioneers. You might wonder if Irish women stopped “pioneering” in the black-and-white days. There are some exemplary Irish women in our world today that has also raised the bar on Leadership in various fields in our world today.

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5 Influential Irish Women You Should Know Today

Why aren’t they enlisted among the historical and memorable? They are one level before that. These Irish women have also written their names on history books; we are thankful they are still among us.

Their stories are touching and impactful, and one can only hope for more Irish women and women in general to follow their path.

1. Mary Robinson

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What if I told you Mary Robinson wanted to be a Nun? Yes, she did. But she became the first female president of Ireland. She based her government on upholding moral authority to gain public opinion.

She fought for women’s rights and the sexual rights of homosexuals. She has an evident passion for human rights and is a former lawyer.

2. Mary McAleese

Mary McAleese is famous for advocating the Belfast agreement. The Belfast Agreement is a pair of accords that ended most of the violence of the Troubles. The Troubles was an ethnonationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted about 30 years.

She was Ireland’s second female president from 1997-2011 and the first female president of Northern Ireland while fighting for peace and reconciliation.

3. Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor is an Irish professional boxer and a former football player. She has raised the profile of women’s boxing at home and abroad. She has a lot of accolades to her name. To name a few;

1. Two-time weight world champion
2. WBO Junior Welterwieight in 2019
3. Five consecutive gold in women’s world championship
4. Six gold at the European Championship
5. Five gold at the European Union Championship

She is a name to reckon with.

4. Sonia O’ Sullivan

Sonia O’Sullivan is a celebrated Irish middle-distance and long-distance runner, born in 1969. Her remarkable achievements include an Olympic silver medal in the 5000 meters at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, a gold medal at the 1995 World Championships, and multiple European Championships golds.

She set world records in various distances and excelled in cross-country events, leaving an enduring legacy in athletics.

5. Ann Kelleher

Ann Kelleher is an accomplished Irish engineer recognised for her contributions to semiconductor technology. She has held notable roles at Intel Corporation and has a background in electrical engineering from University College Cork.

These five Irish women are endowed with excellence and propelled by a constant drive to stand out. Irish Women should be applauded for their significant contributions in various fields.

Let’s take a look at some of the fields affected positively by Irish women.

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Contributions Of Irish Women

These contributions range from Literature, Medicine—sports, Advocacy, etc.

Literature

Irish women writers such as Edna O’Brien, Maeve Binchy, and Maria Edgeworth have made significant contributions to literature, producing works that have garnered international acclaim and influenced the literary landscape.

Science and Medicine

Mary Ward, an Irish naturalist, made pioneering contributions to the study of microscopy and fossil research. In medicine, Dr Dorothy Stopford Price played a crucial role in eradicating tuberculosis in Ireland.

Politics and Activism

Women like Countess Markievicz and Mary Robinson have been trailblazers in Irish politics. Countess Markievicz was the first woman elected to the British House of Commons. At the same time, Mary Robinson became the first female President of Ireland and later served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Peace and Humanitarian Efforts

Mairead Maguire and Betty Williams co-founded the Community of Peace People, which advocated for peace during the conflict in Northern Ireland. Mairead Maguire was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts.

Arts and Music

Enya, Sinead O’Connor, and Dolores O’Riordan are internationally recognised Irish female musicians who have significantly contributed to the music industry.

Education and Social Reform

Mary Aikenhead, the founder of the Irish Sisters of Charity, played a vital role in education and healthcare reform in Ireland. She established schools and hospitals to serve the marginalised.

Sports

Irish women athletes have excelled in various sports, including Sonia O’Sullivan in athletics, Katie Taylor in boxing, and Niamh Kavanagh in swimming, among others.

Technology and Innovation

Ann Kelleher, a senior executive at Intel, has contributed to advancing technology and innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Media and Journalism: Irish women like Caitlin Moran and Samantha Power have made noteworthy contributions to journalism and media in Ireland and on the global stage.

Advocacy and LGBTQ+ Rights

Senator David Norris was pivotal in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and decriminalising homosexuality in Ireland.

These examples highlight the diverse and impactful contributions that Irish women have made across various fields, enriching the world with their talent, creativity, and dedication.

Let’s bring it back to present-day Irish women. What’s it like to be with an Irish woman, and what are some of their characteristics?

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Characteristics of An Irish Woman

The following are ten characteristics that are peculiar to Irish women.

1. A Good Weekend Is A Good Pub Time

A pub is an establishment for selling beer, other drinks, and sometimes food on the premises. Were you planning a movie date or a fancy restaurant? Think again.

For Irish women, you would make their weekend if you make a ceremonial trip to a usual pub, or you can check out a pub that just opened.

2. They Are Always Cold

There must be some biological explanation for how cold Irish women get. When with Irish women in any capacity, even dating. It’s essential to always have a spare jacket with you because she will get cold very soon.

3. Opposite Of Evasive In Approach

Irish Women can be many things but evasive in their approach. They are usually blunt and straightforward, and you can expect them not to hold back. You can be sure to get “the talk” when you’ve fucked, and you can also expect her to fight for you out there.

They are the real deal.

4. They Love Fun And Banter

Are you a hardass? Do you take life too seriously? Then Irish women are not for you. Irish women are banter-lovers and like a partner or friend with the same disposition. They would be happier with a less conspicuous date with much fun than one with the whole work and little to no fun or banter.

This is not a characteristic of most women of other origins or nationalities. Irish women are built differently.

5. Stay Away From White Towels Or Bed Sheet

Why? Irish women love their tan. Using white bed sheets or towels would be an attempt for discolouration. From white to Orange, Orange is the new white (haha).

6. Hates Losing To England In Any Sport

Ireland and England have a lot of dark history that is still to be forgotten by coming generations. To be fair, England has many enemies brewing from their colonialistic mindset.

Irish women stood out when there was a belief in the traditional role of a woman in the kitchen. They led movements and caused significant changes to the present Ireland.

This history has caused a desire for Irish women to win against England, even in sports consistently.

7. Don’t Put Milk In Tea First

You weren’t expecting that. Irish women do not play with their tea. They are also strict with the way it is prepared. Milk comes later and not prior.

There is a popular argument on the internet about whether one should put milk before or later in tea. Well, you know the opinion of Irish women now.

8. Swearing Is Part Of The Lifestyle

For Irish women, swearing is part of their daily life. Get used to a whole lot of swearing. Most especially when their temper arises, you can expect a lot of Englishswears and Irish ones too.

9. Let Her Whine About Her Family Alone

The only more important than you to Irish women is their family. They can complain about their family and even talk to you about it. The worst thing you can do is complain about her family too.

The best you can do is give her listening ears, and you will have a happy life.

10. They Like To Stay Positive

They are the “glass is half empty” kind of women. Irish women are optimists and love to stay positive even in adverse situations. You will love this attitude if you want to remove any gloomy air around you after bad news.

• You: Babe, I just lost my Job
• Her: Sorry dear, would you like to go to the pub

There you have it, guys. 10 Characteristics of Irish Women.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Conclusion

In the tapestry of history, Irish women have woven threads of courage, determination, and brilliance that cannot be overlooked. From Constance Markievicz’s political trailblazing to Kathleen Lynn’s healthcare dedication, these women defied norms and etched their names into time’s fabric.

They pioneered progress in politics, science, arts, and more, inspiring future generations. Today, their legacy is a testament to the resilience and strength of Irish women who shaped their nation’s journey with unwavering resolve.

As we celebrate these women, let’s remember that history isn’t just a male narrative; it’s a reflection of the unyielding spirit of women too. In this case, Irish women broke barriers and left an indelible mark on their country and worldwide.