Constance Markievicz, née Gore-Booth, was born in London, but grew up on the family estate in Lisadell, Co. Sligo. She was educated at home, and later attended the Slade School of Art in London.
Constance was a keen supporter of women's suffrage, and was very active in nationalist circles. She was a member of Sinn Féin and Inghinidhe na hÉireann, and set up the nationalist youth organisation, Fianna Éireann. A strong supporter of labour and trade unionism, Constance organised soup kitchens during the 1913 Dublin Lockout.