International Women’s Day: Celebrating Ireland’s Women of Influence
Craft Village, Derry~Londonderry
Across many industries, including those traditionally dominated by men, Irish women are challenging expectations, achieving success and influencing the direction of travel. Here we look at four remarkable women who are shaping the future of their worlds.
EDEL MACBRIDE — Master Knitter and Designer
Championing Irish craft and the legacy of the Aran jumper
Edel MacBride is one of Ireland’s most respected knitwear designers. She has become known for preserving knitting stitches and techniques that have ancient origins and using them to carry the traditions of Aran knitting into modern garments. Edel uses local spun natural wool yarn which is handknit by a small team of highly skilled Aran knitters that includes herself. Her knits have been worn by former Irish presidents as well as Hillary Clinton, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jane Seymour.
To find out more about Edel’s knitwear and about her passion for sustainability and ethical production, you can call into her studio in Ballybofey, County Donegal or see her work on sale at The Craft Village, Derry. You can also learn from this master knitter on a tour of Ireland that includes knitting workshops with Edel.
KRISTIN REAGON — Head Chef, Lasair at Finn Lough
Leading an all‑female kitchen in a male‑dominated culinary world
Finn Lough is a luxury wellness escape situated on the edge of beautiful Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. Here, in the resort’s Lasair restaurant, Head Chef Kristin Reagon leads an all-female kitchen — a rarity in professional cooking. Kristin’s menu blends local ingredients – some foraged from Finn Lough’s forest – with global influences, creating a relaxed, modern Irish dining experience. Her menus are based on small sharing plates creating a memorable communal experience.
In this unique resort you can also enjoy relaxing spa experiences and immerse yourself totally in nature with a stay in a luxury transparent dome where you sleep surrounded by forest and with a clear view of the sky above.
Finn Lough luxury hideaway, bubble domes, Co. Fermanagh
HELEN MULHOLLAND — Master Blender, Hawk’s Rock Distillery
A pioneering woman in Irish whiskey
Helen Mulholland is one of the most respected figures in Irish whiskey. She became the first female master blender in Irish whiskey history and was the first woman to be inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. Helen worked at Bushmills — the world’s oldest licensed distillery — for 30 years before taking up a new role last year as master blender in the recently rebranded Hawk’s Rock Distillery, County Sligo. As chair of the Irish Whiskey Association, she is an influential voice that is helping to shape the future of the industry.
Experience Helen’s world with a visit to Bushmills Distillery on the beautiful Causeway Coast, where you will be guided through the whiskey-making process and get the chance to taste some of the world-renowned blends created by her.
Strangford-Portaferry ferry
LORRAINE MCLEAN — First Female Captain, Strangford Lough Ferry
Taking the helm on a historic ferry crossing
A ferry that has been running uninterrupted since 1180 got its first female captain in 2023. Lorraine McLean had always been interested in the maritime world and studied for a PhD in marine biology at Queen’s University, Belfast. She’s now at the helm of the ferry that travels between Strangford and Portaferry in County Down.
To understand why Lorraine describes it as ‘a gorgeous place to work’, head to Strangford Lough, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark and one of the most richly bio-diverse regions in Europe. The tranquil lough is a great place to enjoy water-based activities, and the surrounding area is rich in heritage sites.