There are events across Ireland to celebrate the new bank holiday, (and to honour St. Brigid) but we’ll begin with Dublin.
Dublin City Celebrating Women returns from February 1st – February 6th. Brought to you by Dublin City Council, this city-wide celebration inspired by the Celtic goddess Brigit honours the contributions and achievements of women through the ages, promoting their immense contribution to our society, and welcoming the beginning of Spring.
Its inaugural event last year was very successful and this year promises a host of inspiring tours, insightful talks, workshops, exhibitions, mesmerising performances, and more!
From creating your own ‘boob pots’ to foraging, women’s walking tours, workshops – it’s truly six days of some amazing events on offer. Check out the full list of programmes, including A World of Appearances: Walking in the Way event, to find out what really appeals to you and what you can explore along with your friends, and family.
If you are in Kildare, there’s a week-long celebration called Féile Bríde to honour Ireland’s most beloved female saint, St. Brigid of Kildare.
The Féile has its roots in an International Peace Conference organised by AFRI and the Brigidine Sisters in 1993. The conference remains a core part of Féile Bríde today.
The Féile begins on the 31st of January with a candlelight pilgrimage to St Brigid’s Well. Lighting the Hill of Allen, sacred dance, cross weaving, customs and traditions, Celtic lecture and family fun events take place throughout the week. Visitors both Irish and international will be in attendance at the
You could also choose to head to Brigit‘s Garden in the West of Ireland. A picturesque Celtic garden, it takes you on a magical journey into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology. It is set within 11 acres of native woodland and wildflower meadows and is a beautiful place to visit with family. It is hosting both in-person and online events, and you can find out all about it here.
You could, of course make it a day or two of a small break in Galway, and team up your celebration of St. Brigid’s day along with other things to do.
This year Herstory will spark the national St. Brigid’s Day celebrations in Galway city on Friday 27th January with a spectacular Herstory Light Show from 5.30 pm until midnight in honour of Brigid and Galway women. Iconic landmarks will be illuminated including Lynch’s Castle, St. Nicholas Church, Galway City Museum and Pálás Cinema.
The Galway illuminations will celebrate Brigid and the strength and spirit of Galway women. Legendary locals will be celebrated including Úna Taaffe, Ena McEntee, Biddy Ward, Lady Gregory and Gort heroine Mara; with portraits by local artists Geraldine Kilmartin, Irene Naughton, Shona MacGillivray and local school children.
You could also watch a new documentary on RTÉ One. Called Finding Brigid, it has Siobhán McSweeney going in search of the real Brigid. It airs on Tuesday, 31st January at 10.15 pm.
