Women Tech Innovators Recognised At TechFoundHer Breakthrough Awards

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Three women reshaping the tech landscape from across the island of Ireland have been recognised for their success in building technology enterprises.

The founders, who were part of the inaugural cohort of the InterTradeIreland-led WeBuild programme, delivered by TechFoundHer, were among over 300 local and global women tech innovators at the annual TechFoundHer Summit in Dublin recently.

Now in their second year, the Breakthrough Awards are sponsored by venture capitalist and angel investor Lata Setty; serial tech entrepreneur, VC and producer of Show Her The Money Catherine Gray along with real estate agent and angel investor Debra Smalley.

Celebrating progress, momentum and innovation, the winners were announced live on stage at the Mansion House event, where women-led startups, funders, tech leaders and ecosystem allies came together for a day focused on visibility, innovation and action.

Closing out Dublin Tech Week, the summit – developed by Co Down businesswoman and TechFoundHer creator Máirín Murray – is now in its 4th year and represents a significant event in the city’s start-up ecosystem.

With platforms spanning FinTech and HealthTech to bio-driven team optimisation, the 2026 winners were Deirdre McCarthy (founder of FLIT), Karen Kelly (creator of HeartPath) and Rachel McMullin (owner of FreQNC).

Congratulating the winners, Máirín said the Breakthrough Awards are a chance to recognise “meaningful progress made by women founders, from launching an MVP, winning funding and growing a user base to shifting mindset, direction and confidence in powerful ways”.

TechFoundHer itself is a platform supporting women tech founders across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Initiatives like the Summit event, WeBuild programme and the Breakthrough Awards have become integral to supporting female founders navigating the male dominated tech sector.

“The Breakthrough awards matter because women tech founders and innovators are already leading, building and shaping the future of technology and too often, the amplification is missing” added Máirín.

“These awards are about creating our own platform of recognition. They shine a light on the progress, momentum and meaningful innovation happening across women-led tech ventures, especially at the early stages where visibility can make such a difference.”

Carlow’s Deirdre McCarthy created financial literacy tool FLIT to support women in making more confident, informed and economically savvy financial decisions.

“There is a magic to this programme, I can’t quite put it into words, but I was lucky enough to do Innovation Labs and now WeBuild and both times I saw a huge surge in progress” she said.

“It’s something to do with feeling safe and supported which allows me to be courageous and step out in the world.”

Fellow WeBuild participant Co Down’s Rachel McMullin is the visionary behind FreQNC, a tool that takes task tracking to a deeper level giving users the ability to predict production and workflow delays before they happen.

She was one of the 28 women on the debut cohort of the InterTradeIreland-led WeBuild Programme who were up for a chance of scooping a Breakthrough Award on the day.

Delivered by TechFoundHer, Rachel said WeBuild has been instrumental in moving her project forward.

“The impact has been transformational,” she explained.

“During the programme, we secured successful funding support after previous unsuccessful applications, developed a high-fidelity MVP, began investor conversations and validated through engineering leader interviews that teams consistently lack reliable systems to detect overload before delivery risk materialises.”

Each Breakthrough Award winner will receive a package of $1,000 and a range of support including coaching from leading entrepreneurs in the field, as a token of recognition of their achievements.

Kildare winner Karen Kelly’s platform HeartPath is an enterprise and community-level tool that helps organisations systematise how they check for and prevent long-term metabolic and heart-related health issues.

For Karen, WeBuild provided her invaluable expertise that helped her utilise emerging AI tools to fast forward her build.

She explained: “WeBuild helped transform HeartPath from an idea in my head into a structured technology company. 

“With support from the programme, and by learning how to use AI tools we accelerated at a pace that would previously have been impossible for a founder-led team without a technical background.

“HeartPath is now a multi-tenant platform hosted on Azure, capable of supporting programmes from community screening centres to tertiary hospitals and every level in between.”

The WeBuild programme is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland, as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme funded by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island Fund. The programme is designed to help women founders access the knowledge, networks and support needed to progress their tech ventures. The programme’s first cohort commenced in January this year with 28 founders, with a further 26 founders taking part in the current cohort. Máirín said the tide is changing across Ireland and women tech founders are quickly becoming integral to the future of the sector across the island.

She said: “Our WeBuild founders are unafraid, they’re building, testing, learning, growing and turning ideas into action. This is exactly why practical backing, community and recognition matter.

“In the early stages of an entrepreneurial journey, recognition is not just symbolic, it helps build credibility, open up new conversations and gives founders the amplification they need to take their next step.

“These awards are about saying to women founders: we see what you’re building, we recognise the value of your innovation, and we’re here to back your breakthrough.”

Alongside announcing The Breakthrough Awards winners, the 2026 TechFoundHer Summit brought together an extraordinary line-up of women tech experts, innovators and keynote speakers, including Professor Maura McAdam (author of the recent book Permission Granted), space communicator Dr Niamh Shaw (fresh from reporting on the Artemis II mission), Dr Áine Kerr (who led a powerful founder breakthrough session) and the inspiring Saoirse Murphy (the recent Young Scientist of the Year winner). 

InterTradeIreland was lead sponsor of the Summit with Bentley Systems as showcase sponsor, supporting founder showcase moments across the event.

Headline sponsor was Dublin City Council. Enterprise Ireland and Aquino Global Ventures championed diversity, EY was the ecosystem partner with Cloudsmith and Entrepreneurs Unleashed supporting as community sponsors.

For more information on TechFoundHer and its programmes go to techfoundher.com

A Summer of Unmissable Entertainment Awaits at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre

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The brand-new Summer ‘26 programme has just been unveiled at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre, and it’s bursting with spectacular entertainment. Featuring an exciting mix of top local and international performers, there’s truly something for everyone—whether your passion is live music, comedy, crafts or film, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at The Market Place.

 

Kicking off the comedy line-up on 6 June is Max Roddy, one of the year’s must-see acts, with over 40 million online views and appearances at the UK’s leading comedy clubs. On 12 June, the hilarious Belfast Ma returns with the latest riotous instalment from everyone’s favourite Ma. Audiences can also look forward to the high-energy comedy drama No Hope Here, packed with rising tensions, chaotic misunderstandings and plenty of mischievous twists.

 

Music lovers are equally spoilt for choice this season. Highlights include Michael English on 4 June, Ronnie Greer on 20 June, and Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years on 27 June. Country fans can enjoy a lively showcase of talent with the Legends of American Country Show on 26 June.

 

For something a little different, Off The Rails Dance presents BPM—a powerful fusion of contemporary dance and a thumping DJ set. This electrifying performance immerses audiences in the era-defining spirit of the Acid House generation, offering a vibrant journey back to the heart of 90s rave culture.

 

Drama enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either. Les Liaisons Dangereuses, from London’s National Theatre, will be screened on 25 June, followed by an impressive line-up of live performances including Becoming Marvellous (28 July), Work Is The Curse Of The Drinking Classes (29 July), and In The Heart Of The Country (27–29 August).

 

The Market Place Theatre will also once again host the annual John Hewitt International Summer School, featuring a diverse programme of theatre, talks, music and poetry. A firm summer favourite, this much-loved event promises another vibrant and inspiring season.

 

As usual, those with a taste for crafts will be spoilt for choice with an array of engaging and invigorating workshops. Learn the art of woodcarving and produce your own unique piece to take home. Or why not unleash your inner artist at the Paint Your Pet class. Or you could tickle your tastebuds when you take part in the massively popular Thai Cooking classes and master the art to impress your loved ones at home.

 

Details of all events can be found online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

 

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Offers of the Week

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The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, County Down

 

Experience the charm of summer at The Old Inn with their Midweek Summer Moments escape. Starting from £200 per room, arrive to a warm welcome and a chilled bottle of bubbles waiting in your room, before unwinding with access to the tranquil Treetop Spa from 12 noon. Spend the evening relaxing in the comfort of your room and wake the next morning to a delicious breakfast to start your day. Offer valid Sunday to Thursday in June, July and August 2026. Visit https://www.theoldinn.com/midweek-summer-moments.html for more information.

 

Shipquay Hotel, Derry~Londonderry

 

Overlooking the historic City Walls and the iconic Guildhall, Shipquay Hotel offers luxury and charm in the heart of Derry~Londonderry. Starting from £348, enjoy their Discover Derry in Style offer, including a two-night break with full freshly cooked breakfast each morning and a delicious three course evening meal on a night of your choice. Stay in the heart of historic city, just a gentle stroll from attractions including the City Walls, the Guildhall, Peace Bridge, Richmond Shopping Centre and Foyleside Shopping Centre. Offer valid year-round. Visit www.shipquayhotel.com for more information.

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 1-7 June

 

  1. Cultra Motorsport Festival, Holywood, County Down, 6 June. Hosted in partnership with the Thoroughbred Sports Car Club NI and Porsche Centre Belfast, this is an action-packed day with vintage, classic and modern cars on display at Cultra Manor, including gems from the Ulster Transport Museum collection, released from the Ulster Transport Museum’s private stores just for this event.
  2. Every Voice Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 6 – 14 June. The Every Voice Festival celebrates the transformative power of singing together. From powerful sacred music and inspiring youth performances to community choirs, workplace singers, care home concerts and spectacular gala performances. Whether you love choral music, storytelling, live performance or simply celebrating community spirit – there’s something for everyone.
  3. Long Meadow Cider Orchard/Cider Tour Experience with Tastings, Tea/Coffee, Apple Tart & Fresh Cream, Portadown, County Armagh, 6 June. Enjoy a fully immersive orchard/cider experience in the company of the McKeever family. Enjoy an orchard walk explaining the various orchard plantations in place. Visitors can experience the apple blossom in May or the trees laden with fruit from June-October. And, of course, no visit with the McKeever family would be complete without tasting their award-winning craft ciders and apple juice.
  4. The Benjamin Franklin Dining Room at Hillsborough Castle, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, visit website for dates and times. Step into a fascinating chapter of transatlantic history at Hillsborough Castle, where visitors can explore the castle’s remarkable connection to America’s founding story. To mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, the magnificent State Dining Room has been transformed into the Benjamin Franklin Dining Room, showcasing a unique collection of historic objects linked to the celebrated statesman.
  5. Celtic Heart at Belfast Waterfront, Belfast, visit website for dates and times. Created in collaboration with The Music Yard, Celtic Heart is a locally produced show celebrating Belfast’s rich storytelling, traditional music and homegrown talent. Transporting audiences to the industrial heart of early-1900s working class Belfast, Celtic Heart is an intimate and powerful storytelling experience brought vividly to life through the spoken word, live traditional music, captivating vocals, and breathtaking dance choreography.
  6. Titanic Belfast Curates… Northern Threads, Belfast, visit website for dates and times. A celebration of style, creativity and contemporary design in Northern Ireland. The exhibition showcases how fashion and textile design is bold, expressive and deeply connected to place. It’s about what’s being created now and the ideas, stories and influences shaping it. At the heart of Northern Threads are Gráinne Maher, Hope Macaulay, Kindred of Ireland by Amy Anderson and Éadach by Sara O’Neill.
  7. Under the Hawthorn Tree at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for dates and times. A powerful story of hardship, loss and survival, this exhibition brings Marita Conlon-McKenna’s much-loved children’s novel, Under the Hawthorn Tree, to life. The exhibition uses objects, sounds, smells, interactives and illustrations to tell the story, inviting visitors, young and old, to experience the story in a new and immersive way.
  8. Viking Village at Fermanagh Fun Farm, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, 6-7 June. Step back in time at the Viking Event at Fermanagh Fun Farm. With live battle re-enactments, interactive warrior demonstrations and a fully set up Viking village to explore, there’s plenty to see and experience.
  9. Little Construction Club at Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, 4 June (more dates available). Little Construction Club is a pop-up construction-themed play experience for toddlers and young children. Children can explore a fully themed mini construction site featuring ride-on diggers and dumper trucks, build zones, sensory play, dress-up stations, roadworks roleplay, ball pit fun and interactive play areas designed to encourage imagination, creativity and active play.
  10. The Gobbins, Islandmagee, County Antrim, visit website for dates and times. Experience a thrilling world where bridges will carry you over crashing waves to sunken caves and sheer cliff faces. On the thrilling Gobbins Experience, nature isn’t content to just sit back and be admired. It completely engulfs you: from the all-enveloping Irish Sea winds and the dolphins dancing off the coastline, to the squawking native sea birds and the salty air as it hits your lips.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Offers of the Week

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Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry~Londonderry

 

Relax and indulge in the Bishop’s Gate Hotel’s culinary delights. From £209 per night based on two guest sharing, this package includes overnight accommodation in a deluxe room, cooked to order breakfast, three course gourmet dinner and a glass of prosecco on arrival. Full pre-payment will be taken at the time of booking; this is non-refundable and non-transferable. Offer valid until 26 October. Visit www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com for more information.

 

 

The Ebrington Hotel, Derry~Londonderry

 

Take some time and savour the delights of Derry~Londonderry with a two-night stay with dinner at the Ebrington Hotel, located only a five-minute stroll from the heart of the city. Starting from £204pp based on two guests sharing, this offer also includes a three-course meal on an evening of your choice and complimentary access to their thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool. Offer valid until the end of September 2026 and is subject to availability. Visit https://theebringtonhotel.com/promotions/2-night-ebrington-staycation/

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 25 – 31 May

 

 Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Guided Tour, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 25 May. Join the team at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne on a guided historical tour around the Earl Bishop Hervey’s Estate – one of the true jewels of the Causeway Coast.

  1. Sizzle, Sips & Sounds at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 25 May. Visit the stunning and exclusive Walled Garden at Montalto Estate on Bank Holiday Monday for a day full of entertainment and food in perfect surroundings. From 11am – 4pm, grab a bite to eat at their BBQ station, along with a cold, refreshing drink while enjoying live music by local musicians.
  2. W5 Space, Belfast, 23 May – 31 August. Step into an immersive training mission at the Space Explorer Academy, where young astronauts are recruited to embark on a journey beyond the stars. Take on cosmic challenges, test your skills through hands-on missions, and discover what it takes to become a true explorer of the universe. From countdown to launch, to interstellar discoveries, every experience is designed to ignite curiosity and fuel imagination.
  3. Birdwatch morning at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 27 May. Join the experts for a relaxed and informative birdwatching walk across the reserve, timed to catch the birds at their most active. It’s perfect for all experience levels – whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned spotter, our team will help you identify species, understand behaviour, and make the most of the wetland’s seasonal highlights.
  4. From Blossom to Bottle Tour with Armagh Cider Company, Portadown, County Armagh, 27 May. Come and learn about the history of Ballinteggart and how it has become the home of Armagh cider. With a welcome drink in the mature grounds, discover the history of the area, farm and family. You’ll enjoy sampling their range of drinks produced from their own spring water and take time to dander through their traditional orchards.
  5. Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market, County Down, 30 May. The popular Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market returns to the historic village for three markets on the last Saturday of May, June and July. The market is set along the Dark Walk and extending into the grounds of Hillsborough Fort. It makes a lovely day out, especially when combined with a browse of the eclectic mix of independent shops and eateries in the village.
  6. Glenravel International Furnace Festival & Forge In, Newtowncrommelin, County Antrim, 30 – 31 May. Expert smelters and blacksmiths from around the world are gathering in the small mining area of Glenravel in the Antrim hills to bring traditional iron skills back to life.
  7. Timeless Tastes – The Fermanagh Experience, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. Begin your adventure deep underground at the Marble Arch Caves, where the Owenbrean River Cave Tour leads you through an ancient limestone labyrinth. Hear the echoes of rushing water, feel the cool cave air on your skin, and marvel at breath-taking underground formations sculpted over millennia. Then, return to the surface and indulge in the craft of spirit making with a guided tour of Boatyard Distillery on the tranquil banks of Lough Erne.
  8. Magherafelt Speciality Market, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, 30 May. Find and support independent businesses while enjoying a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. From artisan produce, gifts, art and craft to delicious street food. It’s the perfect base to explore the vibrant Magherafelt town.
  9. The Garden Fair at Corick House Hotel and Spa, Clogher, County Tyrone, 24 – 25 May. Enjoy the seasonal changes at Corick House Hotel & Spa with their Garden Fair – a vibrant two-day celebration taking place within the stunning surroundings of their countryside estate.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

 

New Exhibitions at Ards Arts Centre: Nostromo: Scenes from the Raft and Other Stories by Paul Reid and Lumen by Ross Miley

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Ards Arts Centre welcomes two new exhibitions this month: Nostromo: Scenes from the Raft and Other Stories by Paul Reid and Lumen by Ross Miley.

Both solo exhibitions will open on Friday 29 May and run until Saturday 24 June.

Visual artist Paul Reid presents a new collection of paintings inspired by The Raft of the Medusa (1818–1819), the monumental oil painting by French Romantic painter Théodore Géricault. Taking the form of a reimagined sequence, as though the narrative of the painting were told on film, Reid offers a fragmented series of details that explore different aspects of the story, from the intimate and human to its wider colonial context.

The work explores class, colonialism and the experiences of ordinary people caught between these forces, in a world where truth is elusive, beauty is transient and technology both creates and destroys.

In Lumen, Greyabbey-based artist Ross Miley presents a series of abstract paintings exploring the changing moods of the natural world and their connection to human emotion. The work interprets the transitions of the seasons as dynamic, imagined landscapes that reflect both external and internal experiences.

Each piece uses bold colour and gesture to convey a sense of movement and transformation. Rather than depicting specific places, the paintings suggest sensations – warmth, stillness, vitality and reflection – inviting viewers to consider their own emotional responses to seasonal change.

Both exhibitions will open on Friday 29 May and run until Saturday 24 June. Admission is free.

All are welcome to an open reception on Thursday 4 June, 7–9pm, to view the artworks and meet the artists.

For more information on the exhibitions, visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Women Founders Trailblazing Tech To Be Recognised At TechFoundHer Summit

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Women founders trailblazing with tech across Ireland are set to be recognised at the forthcoming TechFoundHer Summit later this month.

Alongside a host of prestigious speakers championing the skills, talent and innovation of female entrepreneurs across the island, three women will win the chance to take to the stage to showcase their businesses.

The Breakthrough Awards are open to women who have completed the InterTradeIreland-led WeBuild Programme delivered by TechFoundHer, which launched earlier this year.

WeBuild, a programme funded as part of the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, is designed to help women founders access the knowledge, networks and support needed to progress their tech ventures. The programme, led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland, launched in January, with 28 founders participating, and a further 26 founders on the programme’s current cohort.

TechFoundHer has developed a growing global ecosystem of founders, investors, champions and advisors focused on backing women founders to build and lead technology-driven ventures. This year’s awards are being championed and funded by leading international investors and advocates for women founders, including Lata Setty, serial tech entrepreneur and VC; Catherine Gray, producer of Show Her The Money; and Debra Smiley, angel investor.

InterTradeIreland is lead Sponsor of the TechFoundHer Summit 2026 with Bentley Systems confirmed as Showcase Sponsor, supporting founder showcase moments across the Summit. 

Liana O’Cleirigh with Bentley Systems and a speaker during this year’s event, said: “At Bentley Systems, we know that driving real technological advancement requires a foundation of diverse perspectives and bold leadership.

“As the Showcase Sponsor for the TechFoundHer Summit, we are committed to providing women founders with a platform to be seen, heard, and supported. By amplifying their visionary solutions, we are proud to champion the leaders shaping the next generation of technology, ensuring the future is built by all, for all, to better serve our global communities.” 

TechFoundHer, a platform supporting women tech founders across Ireland and Northern Ireland, was founded by Co Down businesswoman Máirín Murray. 

For Máirín, initiatives like the Breakthrough Awards and WeBuild are vital cogs in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem to support the success of women founders.

She explained: “TechFoundHer is about visibility, opportunity and action. This year, the summit is a rallying cry for women founders to organise, build collective power and turn this moment of crisis and change into an opportunity for new solutions, stronger ventures and greater impact.

“This year’s Breakthrough Awards will celebrate stand out participants from the WeBuild programme who have leveraged their participation to take bold steps forward in their business.

“We’re proud this year’s awards are being championed by women investors from our global network, alongside the support of InterTradeIreland and Bentley Systems. It reflects exactly what women founders need more of – people willing to back them, open doors, and help create visibility for the ventures they are building.”

The awards will recognise progress, momentum and meaningful innovation from launching an MVP, winning funding and growing a user base to shifting mindset and direction in powerful ways.

Winners will receive $1,000 and a bundle of support, which includes coaching from leading entrepreneurs in the field, as a token of recognition. They will be announced live at the TechFoundHer Summit on May 29 at the Mansion House in Dublin.

“At the early stages, recognition can be incredibly powerful for women tech founders” said Máirín, adding: “Awards like this help build credibility, amplify what founders are working on, and open up new conversations at exactly the moment when that visibility can make a real difference.

“What we hear again and again from women founders is that one of the biggest barriers is time. The time crunch is real – especially for women balancing businesses, caring responsibilities, jobs, and all the invisible work that still too often sits on their shoulders.

“That’s why access to funding and investor networks matters so much. Funding can unlock time. It can give a founder the space to build, test, validate and accelerate. And when that support is connected to a global network of angels, VCs and champions, it can open doors far beyond the award itself.

“These awards are about saying to women founders: we see what you are building, we believe in your potential, and we want to help you keep going.”

Backed by Dublin City Council, the summit will feature lightning talks from women tech founders and innovators, keynotes from international speakers, sessions on AI and product development, and a programme of facilitated table discussions. 

“That’s where the opportunity lies. Women tech founders bring insight, ambition and lived experience to the challenges of this moment. They’re building ventures that can respond to real needs, open new markets, create economic value and shape a better society.”

Headline sponsor for this year’s TechFoundHer Summit is Dublin City Council with InterTradeIreland onboard as lead sponsor along with Bentley Systems supporting the showcase element of the event. Enterprise Ireland and Aquino Global Ventures are championing diversity while EY have joined the lineup as the ecosystem partner and Cloudsmith and Entrepreneurs Unleashed are supporting as community  sponsors.

Elaine Patterson, Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland said: “InterTradeIreland is delighted to sponsor this year’s TechFoundHer Summit, an all-island event that helps strengthen women founders’ confidence in tech and innovation, accelerate all island growth, and support cross-border and export potential.

“By supporting the Summit, we continue to provide women founders with opportunities to establish those critical in-person connections and build more inclusive, digital ecosystems for their businesses to grow and thrive across the island.”

Applications for the Breakthrough Awards will close at 9am on Monday 25 May 2026.

The summit, which brings together women-led startups, funders, tech leaders and ecosystem allies from across Ireland and beyond on May 29 runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm, is open to women founders at all stages of building tech solutions, aspiring entrepreneurs, tech advocates, investors and ecosystem leaders with ticket bundles and group deals available. 

For more information or to book go to https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/techfoundher-summit-2026-tickets-1982625741965

Sea Bangor 2026 returns May Bank Holiday Weekend with coastal fun on land and sea

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Bangor, County Down – Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026 | 12 noon – 6pm. Sea Bangor returns to Bangor’s seafront May Bank Holiday Weekend, bringing two days of maritime‑themed fun, family entertainment and coastal experiences to the city.

A firm favourite in the local events calendar, Sea Bangor 2026 celebrates Bangor’s strong connection to the sea, combining visiting vessels, on‑the‑water activity and city‑wide activities across the weekend.

Sea Bangor City Passport: explore the festival beyond the waterfront

Make the most of the event through the Sea Bangor City Passport (Saturday 23 May only), encouraging families and visitors to explore Bangor while enjoying festival‑themed activities at participating venues and locations across the city.

The Passport trail links the seafront activity with the wider city, giving attendees the chance to take part in creative, cultural and family‑friendly experiences as they move around Bangor, find out more, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/SeaBangorPassport

Visiting vessels and service representation

A highlight of this year’s event is the visit of two traditionally rigged vessels – Pellew and Spirit of Falmouth – arriving in Bangor as part of the Full Circle sailing expedition, coordinated by veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and delivered in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

The expedition is carrying the Invictus Games flag on a UK voyage ahead of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, with Bangor proud to be one of its host ports. Over the weekend, the crew will be on the pier nearby, giving people the chance to meet them, including Luke Powell, who built Pellew, and to learn about the ship, it’s history and about the voyage they have been making.

Sea Bangor will also welcome crew personnel from HMS Bangor, attending the event in a representative capacity. While the vessel itself will not be present, due to ongoing repairs following a collision, the crew’s attendance reflects Bangor’s ongoing links with the Royal Navy.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

“Sea Bangor is a fantastic celebration of our city’s maritime heritage and shared connection to the sea. It’s a pleasure to officially open the event and welcome visitors, crews and families to enjoy everything Bangor has to offer on land and sea this bank holiday weekend.”

On‑the‑water activity and military rowing race

On the water activity returns to Bangor Bay throughout the weekend, including rowing races, ‘Have a Go’ sessions, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and boat trips exploring Bangor’s maritime heritage (pre-booking required). A military rowing race will take place on Sunday 24 May from 12 noon.

A bank holiday celebration for all

Sea Bangor 2026 will also feature maritime‑themed entertainment, local food and drink, family attractions and market stalls along the seafront. A Quiet Hour operates from 11am – 12noon will return each morning to ensure the event remains inclusive and accessible. We kindly ask attendees to consider whether this session is the right fit for them, helping to preserve a calm experience for those who need it most.

For details on the Quiet Hour, event updates, City Passport details and on‑the‑water activity bookings, go to, visitardsandnorthdown.com/SeaBangor

Award-winning family show Out of the Box comes to Bangor this July

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A multi-award-winning family comedy show that has delighted audiences across the UK is coming to the Space Theatre at SERC, Bangor for four performances this summer. Out of the Box, created and performed by Darryl J Carrington, will take place on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July, with performances at 3pm and 6pm each day.

Fresh from a five-star run at the Edinburgh Fringe and winner of Best Family Show at Brighton Fringe, Out of the Box is an hour of inventive, visual comedy where everyday objects are transformed into moments of surprise and humour. A toothbrush becomes the centre of a balancing act, a simple piece of string sparks a playful heist, and an unexpected tea party unfolds with the help of audience volunteers.

With more than 20 years’ experience in circus and clowning, Carrington combines skilled juggling with physical theatre and audience interaction in a wordless performance that can be enjoyed by all ages. His style of silent comedy means the show is accessible to a wide range of audiences, from young children to adults.

A key part of the show is its emphasis on warmth and inclusion, with audience members invited to take part in a way that is considered and good-natured. As The Scotsman described it, the show is “utterly absorbing, charming and great fun”, creating a sense of shared enjoyment throughout.

Blending humour, skill and creativity, Out of the Box offers a fresh take on family entertainment, demonstrating how simple objects can be the starting point for imaginative storytelling.

Speaking about the show, Amy McKelvey. Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Community Arts Development Officer said:

‘We are really excited about bringing this show to Bangor to kick off the summer holidays. With the rave reviews and audience feedback it has received we know it will be a real treat for audiences of all ages, and we can’t wait to share it with them and enjoy all the happy moments that it is sure to bring.’

Tickets for Out of the Box at the Space Theatre, SERC, Bangor on 8 and 9 July (3pm and 6pm) are on sale now.

Full details and booking information are available at www.andculture.org.uk/whats-on

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