Exhibition celebrating the contribution of women of Inishowen coming to Clonmany

The Clonmany Genealogy and Heritage Group will host a special exhibition titled Celebrating the Women of Inishowen on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 in the Market House, Clonmany.

The event will run from 12.00 noon to 4.30 pm on both days. This unique exhibition will honour the vital role women have played in shaping life across the Inishowen peninsula, both historically and in modern times.

Through displays, stories and historical material, the exhibition will explore how women have contributed to family life, agriculture, culture, community leadership and economic development in the region.

Historically, women were the backbone of family and household life in rural Inishowen. They managed homes, raised children, prepared food and cared for elderly relatives.

In many households, they also handled family finances in inventive and successful ways.

Women also played a major role in farming and rural work. Although farms were often officially owned by men, women carried out much of the daily labour.

Their work included milking cows, caring for livestock, working in potato fields and vegetable gardens, and producing butter, eggs, honey and other goods for sale or trade.

Their contribution was essential to the survival of rural communities throughout Inishowen, particularly during difficult economic periods.

In addition to their work in the home and on the land, women were central to the preservation of cultural traditions in Inishowen.

They passed down the Irish language, local stories and folklore, and taught traditional songs. Many also maintained important crafts such as knitting, weaving, lacemaking, shirt-making and dressmaking, helping to sustain the cultural identity of the area.

Women were also highly active in parish and community life. Through church organisations, charity work and informal support networks, they helped families in need and organised many local events that strengthened community ties.

During periods of conflict, including the World Wars, the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, women played vital roles in medical services, intelligence gathering and communications.

Many women also took part in active service on the front line.

Today, women from Inishowen continue to make significant contributions across many sectors of society.

They are active in professions such as education, healthcare, business, entrepreneurship, public services, the Military and An Garda Síochána, journalism, politics, the arts and entertainment, and in the fields of history and heritage. Increased access to education has enabled many women to pursue university degrees and professional careers while remaining closely connected to their local communities.

Women also play a leading role in community development across the peninsula.

Many hold leadership positions in local councils, community groups and cultural organisations, helping to drive initiatives that improve infrastructure, tourism and social services.

Entrepreneurship among women has also contributed significantly to the local economy.

Many now operate tourism businesses, craft and food enterprises, and online or remote businesses, helping to sustain rural life and economic activity throughout Inishowen.

At the same time, women remain at the forefront of cultural preservation. They organise festivals, teach Irish music and dance, and promote local heritage and storytelling, ensuring traditions continue to thrive for future generations.

Indeed, the Clonmany Genealogy and Heritage Group itself has a majority female membership and has women in most of the leadership roles.

READ NEXT: Seachtain na Gaeilge programme announced for busy week in Buncrana

While the roles of women in Inishowen have evolved over time, their importance to community life remains constant. In earlier generations much of their work went unrecognised and was centred around the home and agriculture. Today, women participate more visibly in leadership, education and business.

Across both past and present, however, women have remained essential to the social, cultural and economic life of Inishowen.

The exhibition “Celebrating the Women of Inishowen” offers an opportunity for the public to reflect on and celebrate these contributions.

The Clonmany Genealogy & Heritage Group warmly invites everyone to visit the event at the Market House, Clonmany on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April 2026 and discover the stories of the women who have helped shape the history and identity of Inishowen.

For more information, contact the Clonmany Genealogy & Heritage Group on (086) 6092369 or at clonmanygenealogygroup@gmail.com, or keep an eye on the Group’s Facebook page.