Events

Josephine Hardiman is a Calligrapher and Artist based in County Kildare.  The launch of The Book of Kildare is the culmination of a seven-year project. Every page of the book, which includes stories of Ancient Kildare, Brigid of Kildare and Kildare’s rich heritage, is drawn, painted and calligraphed by her expert hand.    Inspired by Ireland’s ancient manuscripts, this book has been described as “breath-taking in scope, artistic endeavour, and originality”. The launch of The Book of Kildare coincides with the celebration of Brigid 1500, in 2024. Hosted by Laura Murphy, Poet and Activist, the event will also feature a performance of 'In Cloak & Womb', a song cycle tracing the echoes of Brigid, by Kildare singer-songwriter Sive. The Book of Kildare is supported by Brigid 1500, Kildare County Council and Kildare Library Service. Booking essential: https://buytickets.at/kildaretownlibrary/1089403/share/52e38aff574d6f2d16d3469272136a42More information: https://linktr.ee/josephinehardiman Location: Kildare Town Library Group: Library Service

A concert centred around songs of social justice and freedom. Line-up: Eleanor McEvoy, Mary Stokes, Pauline Scanlon, Jess Kav and Toshín Location: Athy Library Time: 8pm Tickets for this year's ticketed events go on sale at 8am on Tuesday, January 9th, via www.hotpress.com/nothingcompares

Clare Dunne stars in this story of a Dublin cleaner who is fleeing domestic abuse. A story of female empowerment, the spirit of the film is self-help and fighting a system of callous bureaucracy. It is a compelling drama and simultaneously heart-rending and uplifting. 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.

Into Kildare, the tourism board for County Kildare plans to light up the hill of Allen again this year to celebrate St.Brigid on the eve of Brigid 1500. This hill is the highest in County Kildare; as part of this year's festivities to celebrate the patron saint of Kildare, St.Brigid, the Tower and the Hill of Allen will remain lit until midnight on 31st January and then again from 6 pm on 1st February. 

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]

Herstory Light Shows with Entertainment in Clane, Newbridge and Athy.  CLANE ABBEY6PM7.30PMNEWBRIDGE TOWN HALL5.30PM9PMATHY LIBRARY9PM10PM

Pilgrimage is a gentle invitation to spend time in reflection, to slow the pace and feed the spirit. R Minehan – Rekindling the FlameAssemble at the Japanese Gardens car park at 7.15 p.m.Car parking facilities also available at Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road.

Ecumenical service in St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare. ‘ Celebrating St. Brigid. Brigid 1500: A Service of Thanksgiving’. The service will mark the Feast Day of St. Brigid and the 1,500th anniversary of her death, through music, prayer and worship.  The thanksgiving service will be co-led by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Most Rev Denis Nulty sand the Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare Most Rev. Patricia Storey. The preacher will be Rev. Canon Dr. Alison Joyce, the Rector of St. Bride’s Church, Fleet Street in London.  All are warmly welcome to attend. No booking required.

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

Brigid’s crosses are the most common and enduring tradition associated with Brigid. Presenters: Solas Bhríde TeamVenue:  Solas Bhríde Spirituality CentreTime: 10.00 a.m – 11.30 a.m. Admission: FREE Conas Cros Bhríde a fhí   Sa cheardlann seo beidh seans ag daoine foghlaim conas Cros Bhríde a fhí. (People will have the opportunity to learn to weave the cross through Irish)

Where: Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Market Square, Kidlare Town When: Thursday 1st February 2024 ( The Sculpture will be on display until Monday 5th February 2024) THIS IS A FREE EVENT DETAILS: Come and visit our sculpture 'A New Dress for St Brigid' in front of Kildare Town Heritage Centre on February 1st at 10:00am. The sculpture will be on display outside from 1st until 5th February from 10:00am until 4:00pm. On Bank Holiday Monday 5th February, you can meet the makers as they will run a series of workshops including Raw Wool Craft, Cordage Making, Needle Work, St Brigid Cross and Brídego making . No doubt there will be stories of St Brigid and the ancient crafts related to her journey to date. Monday 5th February 2024 Workshop Timetable: 11:00 am - St. Brigid Cross/Brídeog Doll Making 12:00 pm - Needle Work 1:00 pm - Storytelling 2:00 pm - Raw Wool Finger Spinning 3:00 pm - Natural Cordage/Hapa Zome  For any further questions please email: [email protected]

Join artist Aoife Cawley for a workshop in which you will design your own Brat Bríde by upcycling fabric and textiles. On the eve of St. Brigid's Day, a Brat Bhríde is put outside and left out overnight. It is said that Brigid is supposed to come during the night and bless these pieces of fabric . It is said that she gives the cloth healing and protective properties. In this workshop, we will use upcycled materials to create our own Brat Brídes and decorate them using printmaking and embroidery. Open to adults of all skill levels. Maximum 15 Adults. Time: 11am – 4pm Location: Leixlip Library Book Now – Brat Bríde – Printmaking and Embroidery Workshop – Leixlip Community Library, Thu 1 Feb 2024 11:00 - 16:00 (tickettailor.com)