Events

Please note that photography/filming will be taking place at each of the Brigid 1500 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].

4pmKildare Town will transform into an open air art gallery, when more than 20 local businesses will exhibit 60 works of international and national art in their windows as part of the Brigid 1500 celebrations in the new year. This uniquely accessible art exhibition titled “Unravelling an Icon, Celebrating and Remembering Brigid and her Legacy,” was organised by Sult Artist-led Collective based in Kildare, to reflect the traditions, customs and symbols associated with Brigid’s legacy, to mark the 1500th anniversary of the death of Brigid in February 2024.The exhibition will include paintings, ceramics, photography, film, sculpture, animation, printmaking, stitching, felting, weaving, digital art, stained glass, drawing, embroidery, mosaic, mixed media, batik and textile works.The exhibition art trail, “Unravelling an Icon, Celebrating and Remembering Brigid and her Legacy,” will be accompanied by a high-quality, limited-edition catalogue of the selected artworks and this will be available during the celebrations to mark Brigid’s anniversary. In addition, the local children from Ballyshannon National School and Kildare Town Educate Together are currently working with Sult Artist, Liza Kavanagh, on their interpretation of Brigid and their work will be displayed on a monitor in Southwells in Kildare Town Group: Sult Location: Kildare Town Additional Information: Louise Cassidy 086 383 5727 / [email protected] , Claire Keane 087 121 4140 / [email protected]

Brigid's Eve, January 31st Venue: Church of San Martino a Mensola, Florence, Tuscany. With Dr. Niamh Wycherley, Dara Molloy and Grace Wells and music from Irish and Italian artists. Location: Church of San Martino a Mensola, Florence, Tuscany, Italy Brigid's Day - Santa Brigida, Pontassieve, Florence, Tuscany, February 1st. 1pm A Pause for Peace A tree planting ceremony which will  involve the community of Santa Brigida and the students of the Liceo dei Colli ( secondary school). An open air evening event to rekindle Brigid's fire, a candlelit walk with the participation of Irish and Italian scholars, musicians and poets. Location: Santa Brigida, Pontassieve, Florence, Tuscany Brigid's public holiday, 5th February - a pause at Brigid's well, Kildare on route to Kilbride, Newport, Co. Mayo,  February 5 . Time : 12 noon a community event involving poets, Ger Reidy and Joan Newmann, students from Newport national school, musicians, environmentalists with the participation of Tuscan scholars, poets and musicians. Group: Hearthland Creatives Additional Information: For further information please email [email protected]

Location: Solas Bhride Cetre, Kildare Town Welcome to "Inextinguishable," an art exhibition where I celebrate the spirit of Brigid using recycled cardboard as my canvas. Brigid, a revered figure in Irish culture, holds a special place in our hearts, making her influence truly 'inextinguishable.' My artworks, crafted from recycled double corrugated cardboard, breathe new life into this common material sourced from shops, stores, and even friends and family. By using this everyday material, I aim to recycle and reintegrate it into the very idea of transport, as seen in cardboard boxes moving products. This process also symbolically connects with the myths and stories of Brigid and Saint Bridget. As you explore the exhibition, you'll notice the sculptural presence of the artwork in space. Playing with inner and outer surfaces, it beckons the viewer closer and pushes them away, creating a dynamic engagement. To me, the connection between the structures and the material is profound – both hidden in plain sight, often taken for granted, yet possessing an inner power and beauty that deserves recognition. Come witness the fusion of myth, material, and art in a celebration of Brigid's enduring significance. If you have any queries about the work or if you are looking for pricing, please contact Greg on any of the following below: www.greghallahanart.com [email protected] instagram@greg_hallahan_art 0851509314

Please notice a bus will leave Parish Church Monasterevin at 10.30 am  

Pedal Party Parade & Brigid 1500 present Brigid's Spring Parade Join our fancy dress Spring Parade, 11.00 am Decorate your bike and dress as animals or flowers. 11.30 am Parade through Sallins 12.00 noon Zero Waste Picnic & Games Fun, free, family-friendly event. All welcome  

Time:  2.30 p.m – 4.30 p.m.Bus departing Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre, Tully Road, Kildare Town. Cost:  €10.00 (Incl. tea/coffee)Please dress weather appropriate and wear suitable footwear for soft/wet ground underfoot. Booking enquiries to:  www.solasbhride.ie

Location: Kilteel Community Hall Kilteel St. Brigid's Arts Weekend and Loco and Reckless Productions present The Man in the Woman's Shoes. Written and performed by Mikel Murfi a tour de force performance by one of Ireland's leading actors. Advanced booking required by contacting 0877914205 or 0868567259

A short meditation and reflection time. Presenters:  Solas Bhríde TeamVenue: Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre, Tully RoadTime: 10.30 a.m. – 11.15 a.m.Admission: FREEIn person and online event:  Enquires to www.solasbhride.ie or [email protected]

The  next film, in the Kilcullen Brigid 1500 Film Season shows Tuesday February 6th. It is Róise & Frank, a charming Irish-language film. It is a comedy-drama that will make you laugh out loud and maybe cry. Set in the scenic Ring Gaeltacht area in Co Waterford it tells the story of the recently widowed Róise, who believes that a stray dog embodies the spirit of her late husband Frank. It is a delicately told story of grief, loss and remembering. Showing in Kilcullen Town Hall. Refreshments at 7.30pm and film at 8pm. The Irish Times - “Róise and Frank is a genuinely delightful film” Film Ireland - “A wonderful story of finding hope in the darkest of places”. Group: Kilcullen Bridge Cinema Location: Kilcullen Town Hall and Heritage Centre Additional Information: Kilcullen Bridge Cinema, supported by Kildare County Council, will celebrate the legacy of Saint Brigid this Spring with a series of films that depict the values she represented. A range of films with themes of equality, peace, social justice and leadership will be screened in Kilcullen Town Hall and Heritage Centre. The season will include award winning, acclaimed and inspiring Irish and international titles. Film tickets are available in Woodbine Books Kilcullen and on Eventbrite. All tickets are €5 and tickets for the Family Cinema Day are €4.

Presenter: Christine Hughes AOIFA Venue: Solas Bhríde Spirituality CentreTime: 2.30 p.m - 4.30Admission: €10.00 (Sponsored event-Incl. of tea/coffee) Booking: www.solasbhride.ie or [email protected]

St. Brigid and the Fox: an invitation to a circle of meditative reflection on the legend. Presenters: Brenda KindreganVenue: Online event onlyTime: 7.30 p.m. – 8.15 p.m GMT Cost: €10.00Booking: www.solasbhride.ie or [email protected]  In the Legend St. Brigid and the Fox, Brigid reveals to us the power of active compassion.and wisdom to cultivate and nurture all that is good in our world.You are invited into a circle of meditative reflection on the legend.St. Brigid: A Woman, A Life, a Legacy St. Brigid: A Woman, A Life, a Legacy