About
The Nollaig na mBan Festival returns for its fourth year on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, bringing music, celebration, and community spirit to Ballybough and North Strand. Proudly supported by the North East Inner City Initiative (NEIC) and Dublin City Council, this year’s festival promises its most vibrant programme yet. A…
The Nollaig na mBan Festival returns for its fourth year on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, bringing music, celebration, and community spirit to Ballybough and North Strand. Proudly supported by the North East Inner City Initiative (NEIC) and Dublin City Council, this year’s festival promises its most vibrant programme yet.
A standout Music Trail will run across local venues, featuring some of Ireland’s most exciting and powerful artists:
- HamsandwicH & Ailbhe Reddy – St. Columba’s Church, North Strand Road – €15
- Camille O’Sullivan & Sharyn Ward – Annesley House Upstairs, North Strand – €15
- Mary Byrne – Clonliffe House Pub, Ballybough Road – FREE
- The Queen Bees – Cusacks Pub North Strand FREE
- Awards Ceremony – Charleville Mall Library – Celebrating local women FREE
The trail brings live music directly into the heart of the neighbourhood, creating a vibrant night for all.
Tickets will be on sale via Eventbrite; the release date will be announced shortly.
Honouring 10 Outstanding Local Women
The Nollaig na mBan Festival continues its tradition of recognising women whose leadership, kindness, and dedication enrich community life.
This year’s 10 award recipients will be honoured at a special ceremony in Charleville Mall Library on Tuesday, 6 January 2026 with special guest MC Catriona Crowe.
2026 Honourees
- Paula T. Nolan – Artist & Photographer
A celebrated Dublin artist whose environmental and social photography has gained national recognition, alongside her strong local advocacy work. - Bernie Walsh – Community Leader
Founder of Sunflower Recycling and a driving force in community development for over 40 years, championing social-economy projects and local employment. - Nathalie Crowley – Community Environmental Champion
Chair of Mud Island Community Garden and founder of the Repair Café, leading sustainability and community-building initiatives in North Strand. - Sister Maria Lawless – Parish Sister & Carer
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 St. - Maureen O’Sullivan – Public Representative & Volunteer
A lifelong volunteer and former TD dedicated to social justice, youth services, and advocating for marginalised communities. - Iwona Machaczka – Community Pharmacist
Owner of Strand Pharmacy, celebrated for her steadfast dedication to community health and support during the COVID pandemic. - Joan Phelan – Local Business Pioneer
A much-loved James’ Avenue resident who ran her local shop for 35 years and served her community through Credit Union volunteering. - Linda Smith – Local Hero & Shop Worker
A cheerful and familiar face in SPAR Summerhill, known for her warmth, kindness, and longstanding connection with the local community. - Jane Ruth Savage – Carer & Community Supporter
A dedicated inner-city carer for 25 years whose commitment was recognised with a Carer of the Year Award in 2025. - Elizabeth Kehoe – Historian in Residence
A researcher who brings local history to life for communities across Dublin North Central in her role as Historian in Residence for Dublin City Council.
About the Festival
Nollaig na mBan — Women’s Christmas — is a treasured Irish tradition honouring women’s work, resilience, and community leadership. The Ballybough & North Strand Nollaig na mBan Festival celebrates this heritage through live music, storytelling, and the recognition of exceptional local women.
