National Women's Enterprise Day 2026

Feeling the Fear - Making it Happen

                       Claire Walsh, Keynote Speaker

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We are delighted to announce that preparations are underway for National Women's Enterprise Day on Thursday, 15th October 2026.

Time: 12.00pm – 4.00pm (Lunch on arrival included)
Cost: €15 per person
Location: Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Rathnew Co.Wicklow A67 X566 - Map Location

This flagship event celebrates and supports female entrepreneurship, whether you're an established business owner or just starting out on your business journey. Join us for an afternoon of networking, inspiration, practical insights, and opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs from across County Wicklow.

Join us as keynote speaker Claire Walsh celebrates National Women's Enterprise Day 2026 with Local Enterprise Office Wicklow at Clermont House, Rathnew. A proud resident of Bray, County Wicklow, Claire was the first woman to represent Ireland at the Freediving World Championships in 2019.

With a background in theatre and movement, Claire is also a bestselling author. Her acclaimed memoir, Under Water, shortlisted for the An Post Sports Book of the Year 2023, shares her inspiring journey of reinvention, resilience, and discovering strength through challenge.

Claire is also the host of the Scared Shitless podcast, where she explores how fear can both hold us back and become a powerful catalyst for growth and positive change. A regular contributor across television, radio, and TEDx events, Claire is renowned for delivering engaging, thought provoking talks that encourage audiences to embrace discomfort, build resilience, and realise their full potential. Her keynote at National Women's Enterprise Day promises to be an inspiring, motivating, and memorable experience.

Claire will also be joined by a panel of female Local Enterprise Office Wicklow clients, who will share their own business journeys, discuss the supports they have received, and offer practical advice and inspiration to aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.

To learn more about Claire, visit her website: www.clairewalshlife.com

Panel speakers:

Alice Vignoles, Macha Yoga: Alice is a qualified yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner with over ten years’ experience in Ireland and India. She opened Macha Yoga in Bray in 2023, offering yoga, antenatal classes, Reiki, sound baths and bespoke wellbeing events. Alice will share her experience of running a yoga studio and how LEO Wicklow supports including mentoring, LEAN for Business, Digital for Business and the Grow Digital Voucher have supported her journey. www.machayoga.com

Nodlaig Caffrey, The Paper Petal Studio: Nodlaig founded The Paper Petal Studio in 2018 and is a self taught crepe paper florist based in Kilpedder, creating striking installations for events, weddings, brands, retail and fashion. She will share how she built her business and how LEO Wicklow mentoring, the Priming Grant, Export Development training and opportunities such as Bloom have helped her grow. www.thepaperpetalstudio.ie

Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley: Caroline runs a speech and language therapy business in Bray, leading a multidisciplinary team providing autism assessment services to private clients and organisations. Alongside her business and family life, she is a Wicklow County Councillor and currently serves as Cathaoirleach, having been elected in 2024 and taking on the role in 2026. Caroline will share her experience of balancing business, leadership, public life and family. www.carolinewinstanley.com