Celebrating #IWD2021
At EPIC, we share the stories of pioneering Irish diaspora women and the trails they blazed in science, design, politics, sport and beyond.
This year, for International Women’s Day, we #ChooseToChallenge the biases and barriers that women face by remembering inspirational women who forged their own paths. Although we can’t celebrate with you in person, stay home and journey through the lives of these extraordinary women, learn more about our virtual workshops and enjoy the exciting online educational resources available that celebrate Irish women around the globe.
Inspiring Stories
Cynthia Longfield
The international dragonfly expert and intrepid explorer also known as ‘Madame Dragonfly’.
Annie Besant
Trade unionist, socialist, Indian nationalist leader and one of the first women to endorse birth control.
Fanny Durack
Irish-Australian record-breaking swimmer who won the first women’s Olympic swimming medal.
Dr. Isabel Mitchell
The Ulster missionary doctor who devoted her career to saving the lives of countless Machurian women.
Eileen Gray
Irish architect and designer from Co. Wexford who would later become a pioneer of modern design.
Eva Gore Booth
The sister of Constance Markievicz who became an icon of suffrage, nationalism and LGBTQ+ defiance.
Watch and Learn
We are collecting videos about extraordinary Irish women on our YouTube Playlist. Click here to visit.
Virtual Workshops
Educators, introduce your students to the richness and diversity of the stories featured in our museum no matter where you are. We have created a range of virtual educational experiences celebrating the lives and legacies of extraordinary Irish women to keep your students engaged.
EPIC Explorers: International Women’s Day Poster Making Workshop
Celebrate International Women’s Day by shining a light on Irish Women’s History and getting creative! Suitable for ages 6 – 12 years old, this workshop will explore the fascinating field of women’s history through an Irish lens, before we bring their stories to life through creative poster making!
Suitable for Primary Level Students
EPIC Innovators: International Women’s Day Poster Making Workshop
This secondary level workshop will explore why the study of women’s history is so important, and events that impacted women in Ireland over the 19th and 20th centuries. Including case studies of amazing women, such as Mother Jones, a suffragist and worker’s rights campaigner in the USA.
Suitable for Secondary Level students
EPIC Explorers: Female Explorers
In our ‘Female Explorers’ workshop, your class will explore the Primary history curriculum strands, the changing roles of women in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the history of exploration. Learn all about the feats of pioneering Irish female adventuresses and ignite the imaginations of your class, featuring the tale of suffragist and revolutionary investigative journalist Nellie Bly, who in 1889, travelled the world in just 72 days.
Suitable for 2nd-6th class
EPIC Explorers and EPIC Innovators ‘Emigrants Suitcase Workshop’
Highlighting SESE curriculum-specific topics, step into the shoes of Famine emigrant Isabella McDougall or with Pirate Queen Anne Bonny, using a collection of objects and supporting materials. Learn all about the lives of these female Irish Emigrants , and take part in a range of activities such as debating, creative writing, drama and art.
Suitable for Primary and Secondary Students