Walking Through Women’s History 1916-1923
Walking Through Women’s History 1916-1923
October 16 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm IST
Walking Through Women’s History 1916–1923 is a guided storytelling walk exploring the lives of four revolutionary Irish women
These are women who lived, worked, and resisted in Rathmines and Ranelagh during Ireland’s struggle for independence from the 1900s on – Constance (Countess) Markievicz (1868–1927), Dr Kathleen Lynn (1874–1955), Hanna Sheehy Skeffington (1877–1946), and Grace Evelyn Gifford Plunkett (1888–1955).
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Full Event Details
This walking tour explores the landscape of Rathmines and Ranelagh through the lives of four revolutionary women — Constance (Countess) Markievicz (1868–1927), Dr Kathleen Lynn (1874–1955), Hanna Sheehy Skeffington (1877–1946), and Grace Evelyn Gifford Plunkett (1888–1955) — who lived, worked, and resisted in Rathmines and Ranelagh during Ireland’s struggle for independence from the 1900s on.
Blending storytelling with site-specific reflection, the tour visits key locations connected to these women, revealing how homes, churches, and streets became backdrops for radical action, cultural resistance, and feminist legacy. Participants are invited to reflect on how these women’s contributions are remembered (or erased), and what it means to reclaim their stories as part of Ireland’s Future Heritage.
This 60 minute guided walking tour brings to life the invisible heritage of women’s activism, placing it within the physical and civic architecture of Dublin. It asks: What histories are we preserving? Whose voices are missing from the buildings we pass every day? In highlighting these figures, the tour reclaims space for a more inclusive, living heritage. The tour walks by historic homes, churches and civic landmarks ending with a reflection on women’s representation in public memory and space.
Notable women from Irish history who lived in Rathmines and Ranelagh are:
- Constance Markievicz (1868-1927) was an Irish politician, revolutionary nationalist, suffragette and socialist. Constance owned Surrey House on Leinster Road, Rathmines, which was used as a training base for Na Fianna before 1916. Constance becomes the first woman elected to the British House of Commons and first female Cabinet Minister in Europe. Her advice to young women, ‘’leave your jewels and gold wand in the bank and buy a revolver’’.
- Hanna Sheehy Skeffington (1877–1946) was a radical activist, feminist, pacifist and human rights campaigner and one of Ireland’s foremost suffragettes.
- Dr Kathleen Lynn (1874–1955) lived and practised as a GP at 9 Belgrave Road, Rathmines from about 1904 onwards and served as Chief Medical Officer for the Irish Citizen Army in the 1916 Rising. Dr Lynn later co-founded St Ultan’s Hospital on Charlemont Street with Madeleine ffrench Mullen (1880–1944) who lived with Kathleen at Belgrave Road, Rathmines.
- Grace Evelyn Gifford (1888-1955) was born and raised in Rathmines. She studied at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art and worked in Dublin as an illustrator and caricaturist. Grace was a supporter of Irish independence. She married Joseph Mary Plunkett, a signatory to the 1916 proclamation in Kilmainham Gaol shortly before his execution for his role in the 1916 Rising.
In addition to hearing the incredible stories of these four women, enjoy a tour of the neighbourhood touching on Rathmines and Ranelagh as told through the stories of women from the Irish Revolutionary period 1913 to 1923 who lived or frequented this historic part of Dublin. During the walking tour we will venture past historical buildings and parks including the old Rathmines Town Hall and Clock Tower and Belgrave Square Park.
Coastal + Urban Guided Walks: Information for all walks and tours
We offer three guided walking trails.
Two coastal walks begin and end at theSmashing Times Visual Art Gallery, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin, A96V9P1 taking participants along the seacoast from Sandycove to Dún Laoghaire and back. Walk One: Stories by the Sea – Guided Walk on Stories of Irish Changemakers in History shares stories of Irish Human Rights Defenders in the past, while Walk Two: Art by the Sea – Stories of Irish Artists, Writers and Visionaries explores the lives and work of Irish artists. Both walks feature stories of people connected to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area and bring together arts, nature and human rights, while inviting participants to enjoy the beauty of the coastal landscape.
Walk Three: Walking Through Women’s History 1916–1923 – Guided Walk through Rathmines and Ranelagh featuring stories of Irish women in history is an urban walking trail beginning outside Swan Leisure Centre, Rathmines Square, 161 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin, D06 E6P3, and ending at the Holy Trinity Church, Rathmines. The tour explores the stories and experiences of women during the revolutionary period of 1916–1923, highlighting their roles, contributions and often overlooked voices in Irish history.
Prices
Adults Age 18+: 15 Euro
Children Ages 4-17: 5 Euro
Infants 0-3: Free
Overview
Duration: 1.15 hrs
Group Size: Maximum 25 people per tour
Meeting Points
- Walk One: Stories by the Sea – Guided Walk on Stories of Irish Changemakers in History
Begin and end indoors at Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin, A96V9P1
- Walk Two: Art by the Sea – Stories of Irish Artists, Writers and Visionaries
Begin and end indoors at Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin, A96V9P1
- Walk Three: Walking Through Women’s History 1916–1923 – Guided Walk through Rathmines and Ranelagh featuring stories of Irish women in history
Meeting Point: Outside Swan Leisure Centre, Rathmines Square, 161 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin, D06 E6P3, and ending at the Holy Trinity Church, Rathmines.
What’s included
- Fully guided walking tour by experienced local guides.
- Fascinating stories, interesting information and fun facts
- Stunning coastal views
- Stories of History, Folklore, Changemakers and Artists
- Information on Local bars and restaurants
Check-in details: Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in, we aim to depart promptly from the designated departure point.
Special Requirements: We aim to tour in all weathers so please wear appropriate clothing. Moderate fitness is required as the tour includes some small tracks and uneven footing. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. As this is an outdoor walking tour there are limited access to bathrooms.
Accessibility: The tour is open to all. We endeavour to make the tours wheelchair accessible. Due to the historic areas on the tour, wheelchairs, buggys, and pushchairs may be limited in some places. Moderate fitness required due to the nature walk as it includes walking and uneven ground in places. Limited bathroom access whilst on the tour.
Disclaimer: Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and all associated partners and personnel accept no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, accident, or other incident arising during or in connection with participation in any company events either indoor or outdoor including the walking trails. Participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health, safety, clothing, footwear, and personal belongings. Participants should follow the guidance of tour facilitators and be aware that outdoor conditions and terrain may be uneven, wet, slippery, or otherwise challenging.
Cancellations
Whilst we aim to do the tour in all weather, tour may be restricted or cancelled in certain weather conditions. Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24-hoursnotice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Organisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):
