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Northern Ireland's Women in TourismInternational Women's Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the wonderful women in tourism, of which there are plenty of great examples across Northern Ireland. Our many incredible female led businesses provide some of the best accommodation, experiences and activities for visitors and locals to enjoy - scroll down for inspiration for your next short break.- Mother and daughter duo, Catherine and Alanna, run a successful apple cider business in the orchard county of Armagh. They say "As a family-run business, International Women's Day is a celebration of the incredible women shaping Long Meadow Cider, past and present. Working in Northern Ireland’s tourism industry allows us to share our story, heritage, and passion for cider-making with visitors from across the globe. It’s rewarding to see our farm experiences grow and play a part in promoting agri-food tourism. Looking ahead, we're excited to welcome even more international visitors, champion local produce, and inspire the next generation of women in business."
- Geri Martin is the founder of The Chocolate Manor in Castlerock. As Chief Chocolatier, she specialises in luxurious, hand-crafted chocolate and runs hands-on chocolate-making experiences for all ages. She says "I’ve been privileged to celebrate International Women’s Day in incredible places, thanks to my career in tourism. As the only NI businesswoman invited to showcase at 10 Downing Street’s IWD event 2022, I met the Prime Minister and inspiring women from across the UK. I love collaborating with female entrepreneurs—so many of our brilliant food tourism businesses are led by passionate women. This year, I’m celebrating IWD in Paris, showcasing The Chocolate Manor to the French trade with TNI and Tourism Ireland. Is it any wonder I love my job?"
- 1 Jan 202531 Dec 2025
- Melanie Harrison is the owner of the fabulous boutique hotel on Belfast’s Malone Road. Melanie says "At the Harrison we celebrate the power of women in business, art, and craftsmanship. As a woman-owned boutique hotel, The Harrison is more than just a place to stay—it’s a testament to creativity, resilience, and passion. Every corner of The Harrison is infused with the work of talented local women—from Carrie Neely’s bespoke wallpaper, to Sasha Stewarts Toasted Wood, Gill Morrows Sculpture, Emma Birney Cunninghams soft furnishings, Field day toiletries designed to bring this exceptional building to life. Supporting women-led businesses isn’t just a choice; it’s at the heart of what we do. To every woman carving her own path—whether in business, the arts, or life—keep going, keep creating, and keep lifting others along the way."
- Bronagh Duffin at Bakehouse NI offers a cookery school experience set near the village of Bellaghy. She specialises in traditional Irish cookery using local ingredients and says "The business I run is based around typically female qualities of homemaking, being caring and nurturing in the food sense, so I believe being a woman is an advantage in my particular business. I have created a cookery school in a homely, family setting where my customers can learn in a relaxed, warm and friendly environment." International Women's Day offers "an opportunity to celebrate my achievements and the achievements of women everywhere. Women have great capabilities and by supporting each other and with further opportunities will keep on growing and making an enormous contribution to their industries."
- Charlene McCrossan took over from her father Martin after he sadly passed in 2015, but the business continues to thrive under her leadership. The 5 star rated experience provides visitors to Derry~Londonderry with some of the best walking tours and guided experiences across the key sites of the city. Charlene says "As a woman in business...I believe there has always been a strong female presence in our wee city, and that comes from the Shirt Factory workers who were the original "Derry Girls". There are so many amazing, influential women to have come from not only Derry, but the whole of this country."
- 1 Jan 202531 Dec 2025
- Donna fox has over 20 years experience as a member of the Northern Ireland Tourist Guide Association, and offers visitors a guided city-centre walking tour of Armagh. Donna gave her bit in what International Women's Day means to her.. "Women are the heart and soul of communities worldwide so it’s fantastic that this is acknowledged on an international scale. Personally I often receive requests to organise experiences for groups of women, whether it’s former school friends celebrating a reunion or a milestone birthday, to multi generational family groups or female colleagues wishing to do wellness or bonding activities outside the workplace". Donna specialises in bringing to life a unique blend of history and legend built around Macha, a mythological hero that appears throughout Irish mythology, a Celtic Goddess who represented power, fertility, and most importantly, a powerful embodiment of femininity. Perfect for International Women's Day!
- Tracey runs her famous bakery classes from her own farmhouse kitchen, located on the shores of Strangford Lough. Asked what International Women's Day means to her, she says "Women are increasingly being acknowledged for their very resourceful contribution to industry both locally and internationally and it’s an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate that. I meet visitors from all over the world and I am really lucky to get this opportunity. I’m finally doing something that I truly love and I love the idea that I’m helping in a small way to put NI on the world map as a fantastic destination! "
- 1 Jan 202531 Dec 2025
- Frankie Creith is a local artist, located on the Causeway Coastal Route, whose artistic workshop helps to create your masterpiece. "Running my own business feels like absolute freedom" she says, "Freedom to experiment with creative ideas, doing what I love. I’m not going to lie, it can be hard work too, but as my own boss it's empowering to know that I can mould my business to suit my lifestyle. International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the positive female role models who paved the way for gender parity in business. It reminds me to look at how far I’ve come and be grateful for my support network and customers. By reflecting on my successes and lessons I can grow and shape the future path of my business."
- Lolly Spence is a professional tour guide based in East Belfast and organises the "Worlds Within Wardrobes" experience. On running her own business she says "it is deeply satisfying, empowering, and liberating. I drive myself harder than any boss would and yet I still feel free. International Women's Day is a day to celebrate equality, opportunity, and success. Our grandmothers could never have dreamt of the heights we have achieved today. We are empowered, we are matriarchs, we are businesswomen."
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