Book your tickets SPIORAD CHILL DARA · SPIRIT OF KILDARE
Creativity. Courage. Connection. The spirit of Brigid is woven into the story of Kildare — and into the celebration we share today.
ROOTED IN TRADITION
Brigid is deeply connected to Kildare, in both Celtic tradition and the story of Saint Brigid. Her legacy brings together creativity, care, and a powerful sense of place.
Spirit of Brigid celebrates that legacy through music, performance, Irish culture and moments of connection.
WHO WAS BRIGID?
Born around 453 A.D., Brigid is one of Ireland's best-known saints. Kildare tradition holds she was born at Ummeras, near Kildare town. Her life straddled the pre-Christian and Christian eras, and she carries traits of the older goddess of the same name.
Around 480 A.D. she founded a double monastery for women and men beside a great oak — the only one of its kind in Ireland. The town of Kildare grew up around it, and a 13th-century cathedral stands on the site today.
Brigid was famed for her generosity, her care for animals and the land, and her strong female leadership in 5th-century Ireland. In the Middle Ages she was better known across Europe than St. Patrick.
Legend says she gave away her father's sword to be traded for food for a hungry family. That spirit inspires the Pause for Peace — a minute's silence at noon every 1 February.
Her feast day, 1 February, marks the Celtic start of spring. Families wove St. Brigid's crosses from rushes and left the Brat Bhríde — Brigid's cloak — outside overnight to gather the healing dew.
ALIVE IN COMMUNITY
This is a celebration of heritage that feels alive. A space for artists, audiences, families and the people of Kildare to come together.
Join Calling All Brigids