On Tuesday January 6th, 2026, Ballybough, Clonliffe and North Strand are rolling out the red carpet for Nollaig na mBan — a day-long festival celebrating the women who keep the North Inner city ticking.
Now in its fourth year, this brilliant, grassroots gathering is Ireland’s only all-female cultural festival, shining a light on community, creativity and quiet change-makers in the North Inner City.
Festivities kick off at 3pm in Charleville Mall Library with the Nollaig na mBan Awards, honouring ten extraordinary local women — from artists and activists to carers, historians and community leaders.
The ceremony will be hosted by much-loved local historian and archivist Catriona Crowe. who is herself a former award recipient.
From there, the celebration spills onto the streets with a live music trail across Ballybough and North Strand, showcasing brilliant female talent and keeping the party moving.
Heartfelt, homegrown and full of pride — it’s a cracking way to start the year in style!
Words: Martina Murray
Some details about those set to be honoured in the 2026 Nollaig na mBan Awards
The 2026 awards recognise the contributions of ten extraordinary women.
1. Paula T. Nolan – A celebrated Dublin artist and photographer whose environmental and social photography has gained national recognition, alongside her strong local advocacy work.
2. Bernie Walsh – Longstanding Community Leader and founder of Sunflower Recycling, Bernie has been a driving force in community development for over 40 years, championing social-economy projects and local employment.
3. Nathalie Crowley – The Community Environmental Champion is Chair of Mud Island Community Garden and founder of the Repair Café, leading sustainability and community-building initiatives in North Strand.
4. Sandra Burke – Community Activist Sandra Burke has been involved in community work for most of her life, from anti-drug initiatives in the 1990s to delivering food to residents in the Ballybough area. In addition to establishing an after-school service for local children under ten, addressing a critical community need, she decorated local streets in support of the Dublin GAA team and organised a hugely successful 1916 centenary commemoration.
5. Sister Maria Lawless – Parish Sister & Carer Sr. Maria has been a Daughter of Charity for over 50 years, known for her compassionate support of families and her long service to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean McDermott Street.
6. Maureen O’Sullivan – The Public Representative & Volunteer has been a lifelong volunteer. The former TD continues to be dedicated to social justice, youth services, and advocating for marginalised communities.
7. Iwona Machaczka – Community Pharmacist and Owner of Strand Pharmacy, Iwona is being celebrated this year for her steadfast dedication to community health and support during the COVID pandemic.
8. Joan Phelan – Local Business Pioneer, Joan is a much-loved James’ Avenue resident who ran her local shop for 35 years and served her community through Credit Union volunteering.
9. Jane Ruth Savage – Carer & Community Supporter, Jane Ruth Savage has been a dedicated inner-city carer for 25 years whose commitment was recognised with a Carer of the Year Award in 2025.
10. Elizabeth Kehoe – Historian in Residence, Elizabeth is a committed researcher who brings local history to life for communities across Dublin North Central in her role as Historian in Residence for Dublin City Council.
