National Women’s Enterprise Day 2025 with Laurie Winkless

October 16th 2025

Venue: Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

Time: Registration from 11:45am, event starts at 12 noon 

Calling all female entrepreneurs and professionals  ... 

Local Enterprise Offices Carlow & Kilkenny invite you to join us in celebrating National Women’s Enterprise Day 2025, set against the stunning backdrop of Kilkenny Castle. This inspiring event is a key date in Ireland’s enterprise calendar, designed to celebrate the achievements of women in business while empowering others to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. This year’s theme is all about resilience, innovation, and visibility—showcasing women who are shaping the future across sectors.

The day will feature a compelling keynote by Laurie Winkles, the internationally renowned science journalist, best-selling author, broadcaster, and communications consultant, whose insights will spark reflection and ambition. Adding her signature energy and depth to the day is the ever-engaging Eimear Ní Bhraonáin, award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and communications strategist. With decades of experience as a trusted voice in Irish media and a champion for local communities, Eimear will bring expert commentary and host dynamic conversations with some of the region’s most successful female entrepreneurs.

Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this is your opportunity to:

• Gain practical tips and inspiration Connect with like-minded women in business Celebrate resilience, leadership, and collaboration

Agenda Highlights - National Women's Enterprise Day 2025

12:00 PM – 12:40 PM | Arrival, Light Lunch & Networking

• Informal networking over refreshments
• Meet local businesswomen 
• Enjoy a light buffet in the historic surrounds of Kilkenny Castle

12:40 PM – 12:45 PM | Opening Remarks

• Welcome Address – Aileen Mc Grath – Head of Enterprise – Kilkenny County Council

12:45 PM – 1:15 PM      Keynote Address – Laurie Winkless – The Power of Story Telling

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM | Panel Discussion: Women in Enterprise

• Hosted by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin with panel speakers Margaret Valette-O'Connor, Executive, Business & Life Coach, Emma Butler, White Meadows Interior Design and Laurie Winkless

• A dynamic discussion with inspiring female leaders

• Audience Q&A

1:45 PM – 2:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Thank You

Your MC

Eimear Ní Bhraonáin is a prominent Irish communications expert, award-winning journalist, and broadcaster with over two decades of experience in print, radio, and TV. She began her career in regional press before working as a Midlands and South-East correspondent for Independent News & Media, notably serving as the resident reporter in Moneygall during President Barack Obama’s 2011 visit and later co-authoring the commemorative book Is Féidir Linn – A Golden

. From 2014 to 2023 she was a key figure at KCLR, presenting the mid-morning talk show KCLR Live—achieving the highest listenership on the station—and serving as Head of Content

. Recognized as Carlow Ambassador in 2022, she also holds a postgraduate certificate in Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship from Trinity College Dublin, and was awarded a Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann gold medal for providing services in Irish

. Today she runs Eimear.ie, offering PR strategy, media training, event moderation and freelance journalism, alongside her roles hosting major local events and acting as PRO for charitable organisations

Your Speakers

Emma Butler is a highly regarded Irish interior designer, project manager, and founder of White Meadow Interiors, a prize-winning residential design consultancy based in County Carlow and Dublin. After earning a postgraduate diploma in Interior Design from University College Dublin, she launched White Meadow Interiors in 2019, offering everything from full-service design‑and‑decorate packages to virtual consultations, with a focus on creating beautiful, functional living spaces . In addition to her design work, Emma is also a contemporary abstract artis

Margaret Valette‑O’Connor is an award-winning Irish businesswoman and executive coach, best known for growing Quigleys Café, Bakery & Deli from a single store in 1988 to a successful 18-location chain with 195 staff and €9 million in annual sales. After exiting the business in 2019, she earned a Diploma in Business and Executive Coaching from UCD’s Smurfit School and now operates as an EMCC-accredited coach through her consultancy, Margaret Valette Coaching. Based in County Tipperary, she supports entrepreneurs and business leaders with mentoring in leadership, retail strategy, customer experience, family business dynamics, and personal development. Margaret also contributes to the local enterprise ecosystem, delivering leadership workshops for Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland. 

Laurie Winkless is a bestselling author, science journalist, and entrepreneur currently based in New Zealand. Growing up in Dundalk, she dreamed of becoming a scientist. After her degree in physics from Trinity College Dublin, Laurie moved to London, where she did a postgrad and then worked in the world-famous National Physical Laboratory. But in her early 30s, she took a ‘temporary career detour’…and it ended up changing her life. Laurie has since had two books published worldwide by Bloomsbury (and she’s working on a third). She has written for outlets like Forbes and Wired, spoken at festivals all over the world, appeared on TV shows, and is a regular guest on radio and podcasts.

Laurie’s NZ-based communications company has supported Nobel laureates, scientific institutes, engineering companies, universities, and astronauts, amongst others. Her current client book includes organisations from across Europe, UK, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

In this session, Laurie will talk about the power of storytelling and authenticity in business, the importance of using your passion to carve out a niche, and the potential to build an international business from anywhere.