On the Fly with Niamh Tallon
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
On the Fly with Niamh Tallon
Guest writer: Niamh Tallon, Founder of Her Sport and Her Sport UK
From Olympic Games coverage in Paris to historic nights at Madison Square Garden, Niamh Tallon has built a career around championing women's sport on some of the world's biggest stages.
As founder of Her Sport and Her Sport UK, Niamh is on a mission to increase visibility and opportunity for girls and women in sport. When a last-minute opportunity arose to travel to London for an industry event, and meet sporting icon Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, she packed her bags and headed across the Irish Sea. Choosing Staycity Dalston as her base, Niamh discovered how the right accommodation can make a work trip feel a little more like home.
Read on as Niamh reflects on a whirlwind work trip to London…
Life as an entrepreneur can be all go, go, go. No two days are ever the same and, to my delight, a last-minute opportunity came up to travel to London and attend an industry event where I would also get the chance to meet the iconic Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill.
As founder of Her Sport, an Irish-based media company dedicated to changing the landscape for girls and women in sport, I've been fortunate enough to travel to some incredible events over the years. Whether it's the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano's historic fight at Madison Square Garden in New York, or visits to adidas HQ in Germany, I never take these opportunities for granted.
London has become an increasingly important city for us as we continue to grow Her Sport UK. This trip was all about connecting with people working in sport, exploring opportunities for expansion and building relationships as we continue our journey across the UK.
A Home Base in East London
I based myself at Staycity Dalston and, honestly, my first thought when I walked into the apartment was: I'd love to live here!
I was immediately impressed by how cleverly the space had been designed. Although it was a studio apartment, the elevated sleeping area made it feel like a separate room altogether. There was smart storage built into the bed structure, practical drawers and thoughtful touches throughout that made the apartment feel both stylish and functional.
As someone who spends a lot of time travelling, it's the little details that stand out. The apartment felt comfortable, spacious and genuinely somewhere I could see myself settling into for more than just a few nights.
Working Remotely, Without Compromise
My days in London were a mix of meetings, networking and remote working. One of the things I appreciated most was having different spaces to work depending on what I needed that day.
Within the apartment, there were multiple options for setting up comfortably with my laptop. Downstairs, Staycity Dalston offers a vibrant co-working area, bar and social space that created a completely different atmosphere.
I even hosted a meeting on-site, which added a level of convenience and flexibility that's invaluable when you're working away from home. It's great to have a mix of options depending on how the day unfolds.
Exploring London Between Meetings
One of my favourite things about staying at Staycity is the flexibility it gives you.
Having a fully equipped kitchen means you can make meals when it suits you, while still having the freedom to explore local cafés, restaurants and neighbourhood favourites. There were supermarkets nearby, including Marks & Spencer and Aldi, while excellent transport links made it easy to get around the city.
Between work commitments, I managed to explore Covent Garden, catch a West End show and enjoy dinner with friends at Brother Marcus in Soho. That's one of the biggest benefits of remote working today. With the right setup, it's possible to stay productive while still experiencing somewhere new.
Connecting with Fellow Entrepreneurs
While in London, it also made sense to catch up with fellow Irish entrepreneur Steve Crosbie, founder of Fad Saoil Saunas, who happened to be in the city at the same time. As business owners, it's often difficult to carve out time for conversations that aren't tied to immediate deadlines. Our impromptu brainstorming session was a welcome reminder of how valuable those moments can be.
I always enjoy seeing Irish businesses thriving internationally, whether that's Staycity's continued expansion across Europe or brands like Sculpted by Aimee Connolly establishing a presence abroad.
Making Travel Work for You
One of the biggest challenges I've faced over the years is finding time to travel while running a growing business.
The rise of remote working has changed that. It has made it possible to combine professional commitments with new experiences, allowing entrepreneurs and business owners to step away from their usual surroundings without stepping away from work.
This trip to London was a perfect example. I attended industry events, met inspiring people, progressed the business, explored the city and even found some interior design inspiration along the way.
And if a place can make you think "I'd love to live here" within five minutes of arriving, that's probably a good sign.
Thank You, Niamh
Thanks again to Niamh for taking us along on her London trip. As proud sponsors of Dublin GAA across all four codes, we're always inspired by the people working to create more opportunities and visibility in sport, which is exactly what Her Sport is all about.
In the meantime, do yourself a favour and give @hersport.ie and @hersportuk a follow. Whether you're a lifelong sports fan or just looking for some inspiration, you'll find plenty to love.
