From club nights to embroidering workshops, celebrate our matron saint and the first Bank Holiday weekend of 2024 in style.
St Brigid was a powerhouse. Hailing from Co Louth, she founded the Abbey of Kildare, as well as several convents. This year marks an extra special commemoration of Lá Fhéile Bríde as it is 1,500 years since the saint's death.
We celebrate her, and Imbolc - the first day of Spring - on February 1st by weaving crosses and hanging them over our doors.
If that's not for you, not to worry - we have a full list below of activities and events taking place across the country:
Leinster
The First Ever Brigit Parade
Where: The Church Café Bar, Mary Street
When: Monday, 5 February, 4pm
Dublin City is celebrating women this weekend by taking to the streets and marching. Starting at The Church Café Bar on Mary Street, an eclectic mix of walkers, roller skaters and bikers will journey to the GPO where there will be a live aerial performance. The GPO will also be illuminated for the duration of the weekend. Modern illustrations from design duo Jill & Gill will be projected onto the historic building.
Mother: IMBOLC: St. Brigid's Bank Holiday Sunday
Where: Lost Lane, Grafton St
When: Sunday, 4 February, 11pm
Where are our disco-loving LGBTQ+ family and allies? Join Ruth Kavanagh, Ghostboy and Rocky T Delgado for this old-school club night and dance the night away as they play across two floors.
Tickets cost €10 plus booking fee. To register, click here.
Art competitions and Open mic nights
Where: Bru Chrónáin, Clondalkin
When: 1-5 February
Clondalkin Village has an array of events taking place this weekend. Everything from an art competition themed "A woman who inspires", fire performances in the Round Tower Garden, an open mic night and live music performances from the Biddy Boys and St Joseph's Pipe Band.
See all event details here.
Dublin Storytime: Modern Day Brigits
Where: The Tara Building
When: Thursday 1 February, 7.30pm
Dublin Story Time and Alternative Dublin have joined forces this weekend to host a storytelling night in honour of St Brigid. The theme 'Modern Day Brigits' invites you to get out of your comfort zone and share your story, or simply listen.
Tickets cost €15. Purchase tickets here.
Bríd - An Naomh agus an bhean
Where: Rathmines Library
When: Thursday, 1 February, 6pm
Join journalist and presenter, Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh, as she shares folklore and traditions related to the festival and its patron saint. To book, contact the library at rathmineslibrary@dublincity.ie.
More information here.
Féile Bhríde Walking Tour – History, Mystery and Magic
Where: Botanic Gardens
When: Thursday 1 February - Monday 5 February, 3pm
See the first signs of Spring as you stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens of Glasnevin, while hearing about the folklore associated with Brigid, and her links with the ancient Festival of Imbolc.
Tickets cost €5. To register, click here.
Crafty Sundays: Make your own St Brigid's Cross + Cocktail
Where: The Four Provinces Gastro and Brew Pub, Kimmage
When: Sunday, 4 February, 1.30pm
Why not celebrate St Brigid's Day the traditional way? This fun-filled afternoon of crafting and Poitín cocktails* is sure to provide a memorable experience. Get your creative juices flowing while learning from expert instructors, who will be there to assist you every step of the way. The event will wrap with a live trad session - can't beat it!
Tickets cost €15. To register, click here.
Sing Along Social: Brigid's Party - A Celebration of Scorned Women
Where: The Sugar Club
When: Friday, 2 February, 7:30pm
The iconic Sing Along Social crew are paying tribute to scorned women this Friday. This lively group karaoke event is incredible craic and is sure to have you up dancing. Expect songs from iconic female artists like JoJo, Britney, Rihanna, Xtina, Destiny's Child, Enya, and more.
Tickets cost €12 plus booking fee. To register, click here.
Imbolc - The Sound Bath Experience
Where: The Fumbally Stables, Dublin 8
When: Monday, 5 February, 10am
What better way to honour the festival of new beginnings than getting in touch with your soul? This soundbath workshop, led by Audrey O Connor, will immerse you in the healing vibrations of crystal bowls, chimes and the ocean drums. Time to cleanse the cobwebs of winter and prepare for a new cycle.
Tickets cost €44. To register, click here.
Brat Bríde embroidery workshop
Where: Leixlip Library, Co. Kildare
When: Thursday, 1 February, 11am
It's tradition that on the eve of St Brigid's day, you leave a piece of fabric out and the saint is will bless them. The blessed fabric - the brat Bríde - holds healing and protective properties, can cure headaches and keep livestock healthy throughout the year. Artist Aoife Cawley will be teaching you how to decorate, print and embroider your brat. This workshop is free and all materials will be provided.
To register, click here.
Nothing Compares Concert
Where: The Moat Theatre, Naas, Co. Kildare
When: Thursday, 1 February, 8pm
A gig is never a bad idea, and 'Nothing Compares' promises to offer a night of extraordinary music by Irish women. Hear from music legends such as Imelda May, Camille O'Sullivan, Nell Mescal and Hamsandwich.
Tickets cost €22.50 and can be purchased here.
The Herstory Lightshow
Where: Potato Market, Naas
When: Friday, 1 February, 5.30pm
Watch the iconic landmarks of Kildare illuminate with stunning new art inspired by St. Brigid and performances by fire-dancers in celebration of her 1,500-year anniversary. This is one you won't want to miss.
Brigid of Faughart
Where: Various locations, Dundalk, Co. Louth
When: 31 January - 5 February
A salute to the Celtic goddess through music, folklore, conversation and tours in across Brigid's birth county. Try your hand at crios making in a workshop with Roisin Cotter and Maura Lennon, or get inspired listening to poetry from Manchán Mangan and Siobhán Mc Mahon.
For the full rundown of the events taking place, click here.
St Brigids Spring Awakening Festival
Where: Various locations, Kilkenny City
When: 3 - 4 February
Traditions, musical performances and a brush up on folklore is on the cards at this music and arts festival. Hear live performances from exciting up-and-coming musical talent such as Clara Tracey, Niamh Regan, Aoife Nessa Francis and Paul Noonan.
Book tickets here.
Munster
Lá Fhéile Bríde at Crawford Art Gallery
Where: Crawford Art Gallery, Co. Cork
When: 1-5 February
The beloved Crawford Art Gallery Cork has a jam-packed itinerary in store for the Banker. Events include walking tours as Gaeilge, musical performances featuring a three-string quartet and art workshops.
See the full schedule here.
Music and Dance at Muckross House
Where: Muckross House, Killarney, Co Kerry
When: Sunday, 3 February
A free event filled with music from the Biddy Group in support of The Kerry Parents & Friends Association. Learn about the Brídeog and how to create St Bridget's crosses and hats.
Full details here.
Celebrate crafts and customs in Tipperary
Where: No.1 Bridge Street, Tipperary Town
When: Saturday, 3 February, 3.30pm
A fun-filled day of activities where you'll learn about the traditions associated with St Brigid and create your very own crosses and dolls from willows and rushes. This workshop is for adults only and will be run by local artist Lynn Kirkham.
Tickets are free. Register here.
"Searching for Áine" - Reflecting upon our Local Land Goddess
Where: Lough Gur, Limerick
When: 3-4 February
Ring in the longer stretch in the evenings by stretching yourself. Una O Rouke will be running a yoga class at the Lough Gur visitor centre on Saturday at 10am. There will also be a goddess circle on the sacred landscape involving meditation, fire rituals, Imbolc herbal tea rituals and energy healing. You will also recieve a goddess gift to take the magic home with you.
Check out the full schedule and register here.
Connacht
St Brigid's concert featuring Cathy Jordan and Fergal Murray
Where: Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon
When: On Sunday, 4 February, 6.30pm
Well-known singer Cathy Jordan will join pianist and composer Feargal Murray to perform 'Storybook – The Songs of Brendan Graham', who is known for songs such as You Raise Me Up, Rock 'n Roll Kids, and The Voice.
Tickets cost €15. Available here.
Largest Bridget's Cross in Ireland to be erected
Where: Tarmonbarry Bridge, Co. Roscommon
When: Thursday, 1 February
The largest St Brigid's Cross in Ireland is set to be erected and lit in honour of St Brigid for the month in County Roscommon. This Connacht styled Cross, created by The Tarmonbarry Men's Shed and Ivy Rose Florists is definitely worth checking out.
Event details here. :
Brigit's Cross-making workshops in Brigit's Garden
Where: Brigit's Garden, Co. Galway
When: Sunday 4 February, 2pm
Brigit's Garden was created as a place for people to connect with nature and find inspiration in beautiful surroundings. This free event will teach you how to make Brigit's cross or a Brídeog (Brigit doll) out of rushes to take home. All materials will be supplied on the day.
No booking is required. Event details here.
Ulster
Mná Meet-Up
Where: Crawfordsburn Activity Centre, Belfast
When: Sunday 4 February, 10am
Make some new friends at a women's circle hosted by Mná Facilitators. Grab a cup of cacao and enjoy yoga, breathwork, drumming, dancing and loads of craic! They will also be hosting a Brath Bhride Workshop, a journey of creativity and self-discovery where you'll craft your own sacred cloak.
Tickets cost €27.79. Book here.
Féile na mBan
Where: Bundoran, Co. Donegal
When: 2 - 6 February
Catch some art and music performances, along with workshops and talks throughout the weekend in Donegal's surfing town. The schedule is jam-packed. Some highlights include craft markets, sea dips, stand up comedy and printing workshops.
See the full list of events here.
Brigid's Day Retreat – Tending Your Inner Flame
Where: Market House, Black Lion
When: 3 February, 5pm
You can practice cross-making at various events throughout the country this weekend, but Market House in Black Lion is also running brooch making and felting, which is pretty unique!
Tickets are €30. Book them here.
IMBOLC International Music Festival
Where:
When: 28 January - 4 February
Tune into your culture with this exciting music festival featuring various genres and visual arts. Expect live trad brunch sessions and a special Brigid's Day performance from the Armagh Rhymers.
Check out the full schedule here.
- Written by Éadaoin Fitzmaurice, a digital creator covering food, travel and culture. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
