For more than a quarter of a century, Irish Tatler’s Women of the Year Awards have celebrated exceptional talent, originality and impact. While the awards have always been about championing the achievements of women, they also serve as a moment to reflect on where Ireland stands in terms of equality, opportunity and progress — and where it must go next.

Each year, the awards honour world-leading innovators and business pioneers, boundary-pushing creatives and inspiring individuals driving meaningful change across Irish society. Over the years, an extraordinary alumni has emerged, including Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese, Claire Keegan, Róisín Murphy, Sharon Horgan, Anne Enright, Lisa McGee, Sarah McInerney, Fiona Shaw, Radie Peat, Oonagh O’Hagan, Dr Nora Khaldi, and many more. In more recent years, the awards have continued to recognise a new generation of trailblazers shaping culture, enterprise, science and public life in Ireland today.

Having marked its landmark 25th anniversary, the Irish Tatler Women of the Year Awards enter 2026 with renewed purpose — continuing to grow in stature, relevance and influence, while celebrating the women who are defining Ireland’s present and future.

Our 2025 winners

SIOBHÁN MCSWEENEY

THE ENTERTAINMENT award 

LISA CANNY

THE MUSIC AWARD 

Cllr YEMI ADENUGA

THE PUBLIC LIFE AWARD

Canny’s contribution extends beyond performance: she is reshaping the cultural narrative of trad music by championing women’s voices and celebrating the female perspective on stage and off

.

Roisín O’Donnell 

THE LITERATURE AWARD

Kate O’Connor is a multi-event athlete who now stands among the best in the world

kate o’connor

THE sport award

RION HANNORA

THE FASHION AWARD

SUZANNE LYNCH

THE MEDIA AWARD

kim mckenzie doyle

THE social enterprise awarD

Loretta Dignam’s advocay has been instrumental in making HRT free to all in 2025.

CAmogie players collective

THE catalyst AWARD

By connecting students with industry mentors, Kim McKenzie Doyle is unlocking the potential of Ireland’s next generation

jessica mccarthy

THE STEM AWARD

heidi Davis

THE WOMEN’S HEALTH AWARD

MARGO HARKIN, ANNE CRILLY, SARA GREAVU AND CIARA PHILLIPS

THE ART & DESIGN AWARD

Throughout 2025, Gallagher has combined rigorous public reporting with forensic engagement in high-profile child-protection failures

 Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC

THE INTERNATIONAL AWARD

SINÉAD O’SHEA

THE FILM & DRAMA AWARD         

McGuirk is that rare combination of commercial success, product leadership and principled innovation

 

Fidelma McGuirk

THE entrepreneur AWARD 

abeba birhane

THE INNOVATION AWARD

Birhane’s unique strength is one of bridging technical audit work, ethical theory and real-world governance

hilary o’meara

THE BUSINESS AWARD

brenda fricker

THE special recognition award

lavinia kerwick

 WOMaN OF the year