Famous Irish Activists

Grace O'Malley, also known as Gráinne Mhaol, was a powerful figure in sixteenth-century Irish history. Taking over leadership of the Ó Máille dynasty upon her father's death, she commanded land and sea forces. Her marriage to Dónal Ó Flaithbheartaigh increased her wealth and influence significantly. Notably, she sailed to England to petition Queen Elizabeth I for the release of her family members held captive by the English. Documented mainly through English sources, she is remembered as a fearless leader and is often referred to as "The Pirate Queen."

Michael Wallace is an Irish politician and former property developer who served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the South constituency from 2019 to 2024. He is affiliated with Independents 4 Change and The Left in the European Parliament. Wallace previously held the position of Teachta Dála (TD) for the Wexford constituency from 2011 to 2019. Known for his anti-establishment and left-wing populist views, he has been a controversial figure in Irish politics, particularly due to his past financial issues as a property developer. In his role as an MEP, Wallace has garnered attention for his foreign policy stances, which have sparked criticism and controversy in Europe but have found support in certain authoritarian states.

Francis Sheehy-Skeffington was an Irish writer and radical activist, known by the nickname "Skeffy". He was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century Irish political and literary scene. Sheehy-Skeffington was a friend of notable figures such as James Joyce and Tom Kettle. He was known for his advocacy for social justice and women's rights. Sheehy-Skeffington's contributions to literature and his activism left a lasting impact on the cultural and political landscape of Ireland.

Thomas Stanislaus MacDonagh was a prominent Irish political activist, poet, playwright, educationalist, and revolutionary leader. He played a key role in the Easter Rising of 1916 as one of the seven leaders and a signatory of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. MacDonagh was known for his involvement in the Irish Volunteers and his work as assistant headmaster at St. Enda's School. He also lectured in English at University College Dublin and was a member of the Gaelic League, contributing significantly to Irish literature and theater through his plays and poetry.

Kathleen Lynn was a pioneering Irish Sinn Féin politician, political activist, and doctor known for her dedication to addressing poverty and disease among the poor. She pursued a career in medicine after witnessing the suffering in the west of Ireland. Lynn studied in England and Germany before graduating from the Royal University of Ireland. She worked in the United States before returning to Ireland, where she became the first female doctor at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital and later founded Saint Ultan's Children's Hospital in 1919.

Sinéad Burke is an Irish writer, academic, and disability activist known for her TED talk on inclusive design. She is the director of Tilting the Lens, a consulting organization focused on promoting accessibility and equity in design. Burke is a member of the Irish Council of State and released her first book, Break the Mould, in 2020, which won the Specsavers Children's Book of the Year award. She has been featured on the covers of British Vogue and The Business of Fashion, showcasing her influence in the industry.

Mairead Maguire is a renowned peace activist from Northern Ireland. She co-founded Women for Peace, later known as the Community for Peace People, aiming to promote peaceful solutions during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Alongside Betty Williams, she was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976 for their efforts. Maguire's professional life has been dedicated to advocating for peace, conflict resolution, and human rights, inspiring many with her commitment to nonviolent activism and pursuit of peaceful outcomes in conflict-ridden regions.

Stefanie Preissner is a multifaceted professional in the entertainment industry, excelling as an Irish writer, actress, script supervisor, and columnist. Her most notable work includes being the creative force behind the popular comedy-drama series Can't Cope, Won't Cope. With a diverse skill set and creative vision, she has made significant contributions to the world of entertainment through her writing, acting, and behind-the-scenes work. Stefanie Preissner's talent and creativity have garnered recognition and admiration from audiences and industry peers alike.

Dáithí Ó Conaill was an Irish republican who played significant roles within various factions of the IRA and Sinn Féin. He served on the IRA Army Council of the Provisional IRA and held positions as vice-president of both Sinn Féin and Republican Sinn Féin. Additionally, he was the inaugural chief of staff of the Continuity IRA, a position he held from 1986 until his passing in 1991. Ó Conaill is known for his involvement in introducing car bombs to Northern Ireland.

Mairéad Farrell was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who played a significant role in the organization. Known for her activism and dedication to the Irish republican cause, she was involved in various activities aimed at achieving Irish independence. Her commitment to the IRA led her to participate in missions and operations, which ultimately resulted in her being shot and killed by the British Army in Gibraltar in 1988. Farrell's actions and contributions to the IRA solidified her reputation as a fierce and determined activist.

Alec Reid was an Irish Catholic priest known for his crucial role in facilitating the Northern Ireland peace process. His contribution was regarded as absolutely critical by BBC journalist Peter Taylor. Reid's professional life was dedicated to promoting dialogue and reconciliation between conflicting parties in Northern Ireland. He played a pivotal role in behind-the-scenes negotiations, helping to lay the groundwork for peace agreements. His efforts were instrumental in fostering understanding and cooperation among different factions, ultimately contributing to the success of the peace process.

Kevin Sharkey is an Irish artist, political activist, and former television presenter and actor. He gained attention for seeking a nomination to run in the 2018 Irish presidential election but later withdrew his bid. Sharkey is known for his artistic talents, with his work spanning various mediums such as painting and sculpture. He has also been involved in political activism, advocating for various social causes. Through his diverse career, Sharkey has made a significant impact in both the arts and political spheres.

Kevin McGahern is an accomplished Irish comedian, TV presenter, writer, and actor. He gained recognition as the former host of Republic of Telly from 2013 to 2017, showcasing his comedic talents to a wide audience. Additionally, he has demonstrated his versatility as the host of the documentary series Kevin McGahern's America. With a successful career spanning various entertainment fields, Kevin has established himself as a prominent figure in the Irish entertainment industry, known for his humor and charisma on screen.

Ivana Catherine Bacik is an Irish Labour Party politician currently serving as Leader of the Labour Party and a Teachta Dála (TD) for Dublin Bay South. She previously held leadership positions in the Seanad and served as a Senator for Dublin University. Bacik is recognized for her advocacy on abortion rights dating back to the 1980s, as well as her prominent presence in the media. She has been actively involved in political roles at both the national and university levels, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service and social issues.

Mary Burns was a working-class Irish woman who lived in Manchester, England. She is best known for being the lifelong partner of Friedrich Engels. Despite limited surviving information, she was described as "very good natured" and "witty" by Karl Marx and as "very pretty, witty, and charming" by Marx's daughter, Eleanor. Burns' professional life is not well-documented, but her character and charm left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

Alice Perry was a pioneering engineer in Europe, known for being one of the first women to graduate with a degree in engineering. Throughout her professional life, she broke barriers and defied gender norms in a male-dominated field. Perry made significant contributions to the engineering industry, showcasing her exceptional skills and knowledge in the field. Her achievements and accomplishments paved the way for future generations of women in engineering, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and inspiring others to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Mary Maher was a prominent figure in the field of trade unionism, journalism, and feminism. She played a key role in founding the Irish Women's Liberation Movement and also served as the first women's editor at The Irish Times newspaper. With an impressive career spanning 36 years at the newspaper, Maher contributed significantly to the representation of women's issues and perspectives in the media. Her work as a journalist and advocate for gender equality left a lasting impact on Irish society.

John Cowley was an Irish actor known for his role as Tom Riordan in the long-running RTÉ Television drama series, The Riordans. He started his acting career with touring companies in rural Ireland before landing the role of Tom Riordan in 1964. His performance in The Riordans earned him a Jacob's Award in 1967. Cowley later returned to the stage and appeared in films, including The Field and The Boxer. He was also a passionate advocate against cruelty to animals.

Nell McCafferty is a prominent Irish journalist, playwright, civil rights campaigner, and feminist known for her impactful contributions to various publications. Her writing has graced the pages of esteemed newspapers and magazines such as The Irish Press, The Irish Times, Sunday Tribune, Hot Press, and The Village Voice. Through her work, McCafferty has not only informed and engaged audiences but also championed important social causes, particularly in the realms of civil rights and women's rights. Her career is marked by a steadfast commitment to journalism and activism.

Helen Blackburn was a prominent feminist, writer, and campaigner for women's rights, with a focus on employment issues. She served as an editor for the Englishwoman's Review magazine and authored books on women workers and the women's suffrage movement in Britain and Ireland, establishing herself as a leading authority in the field. Blackburn also held key roles in organizations advocating for women's suffrage, including serving as secretary for the National Society for Women's Suffrage and co-founding the Freedom of Labour Defence League. Her contributions are commemorated on the plinth of the Millicent Fawcett statue in Parliament Square.

Sabina Higgins is an accomplished Irish actress and political activist. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in advocating for various social causes and has used her platform to raise awareness on important issues. Her work as an actress has garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her talent and versatility on stage and screen. Sabina's commitment to social justice and her passion for the arts have made her a respected figure in both the entertainment industry and the political sphere.

Marie Conmee was a talented actor known for her roles in acclaimed films including "Educating Rita," "My Left Foot," and "Remington Steele." As an openly lesbian individual, she actively contributed to the LGBT community by organizing a monthly lesbians' club meeting alongside her partner Mary Brady. Conmee's professional life was characterized by her dedication to her craft as an actor and her commitment to advocating for LGBTQ rights, making a significant impact on both the film industry and the broader community.

Ifrah Ahmed is a prominent figure in activism, known for her work in promoting social change and empowerment. As the founder of the United Youth of Ireland NGO and the Ifrah Foundation, she has dedicated her career to advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities. Her efforts have focused on addressing issues such as gender equality, women's rights, and access to education. Ahmed's impactful work has earned her recognition as a tireless advocate for social justice and a respected leader in the field of activism.

Christine Buckley was an Irish activist and campaigner known for her work as the director of the Aislinn support and education group, dedicated to assisting survivors of Industrial Schools in Ireland. Having been raised in St. Vincent's Industrial School, Goldenbridge, she utilized her personal experience to advocate for those who had suffered abuse in such institutions. Through her leadership at Aislinn, Christine played a crucial role in providing support, education, and empowerment to survivors, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Muriel MacSwiney was an Irish republican and left-wing activist who gained international recognition for her advocacy work. Following the high-profile hunger strike and death of her husband Terence, she became a prominent figure in Irish republican activism, particularly in the United States during the early 1920s. Despite the defeat of the Anti-Treaty IRA in the Irish Civil War, she continued to champion republican causes and later lived a bohemian lifestyle in Europe. MacSwiney remained politically active, supporting left-wing and republican movements in both France and England.

Barbara Mary Hewson was an Anglo-Irish barrister specializing in public law in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. She focused on Court of Protection work, human rights, judicial review, and regulatory defense cases. Hewson advocated for reproductive health and the rights of pregnant women, the mentally incapacitated, and the mentally ill. She gained attention for controversial views on lowering the age of consent and criticizing aspects of sexual abuse investigations. Hewson faced professional repercussions for offensive social media comments but had her suspension reduced due to terminal illness.

Margaretta Ruth D'Arcy is an Irish actress, writer, playwright, and activist known for her work addressing Irish nationalism, civil liberties, and women's rights. She has been a member of Aosdána, the Irish association of artists, since its inception. D'Arcy gained attention in 2014 when she was imprisoned for refusing to sign a bond promising not to trespass on non-public parts of Shannon Airport. Her arrest followed her involvement in protests against United States military stopovers at the airport.