Events

Please note that photography/filming will be taking place at each of the Brigid, Spirit of Kildare events for promotional and archival purposes. The photographs and recordings taken are likely to be used for promotional use and will appear on our website.

If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer or videographer know on the day.

If you have any queries about data protection, please contact [email protected].

Life Under the Cloak is an exhibition of textile art that was created by over 300 primary school students from 10 Kildare primary schools in collaboration with local Textile Artist/Designer Aideen Cross.
This art work explores the life and legacy of Saint Brigid and discovers the connections she has to local areas. The young students and their teachers, guided by Aideen Cross, researched the history and legacy of Brigid’s inspiring life, reflecting on her achievements, feminine strengths and the much-loved folklore stories, all while learning new skills and gaining a real sense of place.

Kilcullen Bridge Cinema, supported by Kildare County Council, will host a film season commencing Wednesday January 29th to celebrate the legacy of Saint Brigid. Now in its second year the Brigid Film Season runs for the month of February and will screen a series of films that depict the values Brigid represented. The films include acclaimed Irish and international titles which explore themes of female leadership, courage, equality, peace and social justice. The film season is planned to appeal to a diverse audience and contribute to an increased awareness of Brigid and an appreciation of her legacy.

"During the 'Athy, Spirit of Kildare Festival 2025' artists Anthony Haughey and Cathy Callan will host a legacy exhibition by local communities and a series of talks to celebrate Brigid's weekend on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of February 2025, at Anthony’s new Athy Art House on Leinster Street, Athy. Carmel Day, singer performer and youth arts mentor will launch the exhibition. Drawing on her own familial history, Cathaoirleach Aoife Breslin will speak on the inspirational women in her life. Dr. Sharon Greene will talk about the renowned local portrait artist Kathleen Shackleton and artist Josephine Hardiman will show us images and tell us about creating the Book of Kildare.

Fri 31st: Sunrise: 7am – 8.15am, Fri 31st: Sunset: 3.45pm - 5.15pm, Sat 1st: Sunrise: 7am - 8.15am, Sat 1st: Sunset: 3.45pm - 5.15pm, Sun 2nd: Sunrise: 7am - 8.15am, Sun 2nd: Sunset: 3.45pm - 5.15pm, Mon 3rd: Sunrise: 7am - 8.15am

Join artist James Winnett on a guided tour of the Stones of the Hollow Hill, a new public artwork for Kerdiffstown Park near Naas. James will share the inspiration behind the work, insights into the carving process and guide you through the story across the 18 stones. The tour will conclude at the summit of the hill with an opportunity to witness the Brigid's Day solar alignment at sunrise / sunset (weather permitting).

Leixlip Library

Suitable for ages 5 – 12.

Celebrate St. Brigid with Dúlra Forest School! Discover St. Brigid's Day traditions from the past, learn an Irish song about Brigid and participate in retelling the story of Bríd with Irish vocabulary and your own Pictionary. Make a Brigid's cross or a Brídóg (Brigid’s doll) to take home.

Celbridge Library 

A collaborative art session where participants work together to make a St Brigid's theme Jigsaw.

Students work both individually and as a group to each create a small section of the larger artwork. They need to work with the person whose jigsaw piece sits beside theirs on colour, line and shading. At the end of the workshop, we assemble the large artwork which can be displayed for all to see. Suitable for children aged 5+

In honour of St. Brigid's Day, Hot Press and Kildare County Council presents The Naas Brigid's Eve Get-Together.

Venue: The Courtyard at Naas Library & Cultural Centre

Live performances from rising Irish women.

Artisanal food stalls.

A special screening of the award-winning feature film Herself has been announced as part of the upcoming Brigid, Spirit of Kildare Festival, in one of the events celebrating female creativity, presented by Hot Press and Kildare County Council

The acclaimed 2020 drama will be shown in the beautiful St. David's Church, in Naas, Co. Kildare, at 6pm on Friday, January 31 – followed by a Q&A session with the lead actor and co-writer of the film, the superbly talented Clare Dunne. The Q&A session will conducted by Hot Press film editor Roe McDermott.

The Moat Theatre, Abbey Rd, Naas, Co. Kildare

Starring: Imelda May, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Una Healy, Lemoncello, Rachael Lavelle with special guest Sabina Higgins, who will present a spoken word reading.

MC: Laura Whitmore

Doors: 7.00pm

Start time: 8pm

A night of extraordinary, genre-spanning music by Irish women, will celebrate the boundless range and talent of Ireland’s contemporary female artists – as singers, songwriters, musicians and spoken word performers – par excellence.

Venue: Solas Bhride Centre, Kildare Town.

Join us for a candlelight pilgrimage at the dawn of springtime and the eve of St. Brigid’s Day.

On the threshold of Spring, we invite you to participate in a short, reflective candlelit walk to St. Brigid’s well. Together we will reflect on St. Brigid’s values and offer space to listen and attend to what healing, hopes and dreams are stirring within.

Assemble at Japanese Garden’s Car Park at 7.15 p.m.
Car facilities also available at Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road.