Events

Song of the Sea is an enchanting film from the director of Academy Award nominated The Secret of Kells. The story is a magical adventure steeped in the wondrous worlds of Irish myth and inspired by the legend of the “selkies” — magical beings who live as seals in water and humans on land. Young Ben and his little sister Saoirse live with their widower father in a lighthouse by the sea. When the silent Saoirse — who at six years old has yet to utter a single word — discovers a shell flute that used to belong to their mother, the spellbinding music she creates unlocks a magical secret about her mother’s past.

The next film in the Brigid 1500 film season is Girl. A moving and memorable film from director Adura Onashile. It examines the anxious existence of mother and daughter Grace and Ama, fleeing violence in their home country and coming to terms with life in a Glasgow council estate. Showing Tuesday February 20th, Kilcullen Town Hall and Heritage Centre. Refreshments 7.30pm and film 8pm. All tickets €5, available in Woodbine Books and on Eventbrite.

The  Brigid 1500 Film Season, hosted by Kilcullen Bridge Cinema, concludes next Tuesday February 28th with La Syndicaliste. It is fifth in a series of films that portray strong, brave, resilient female characters. Supported by Kildare County Council, all films celebrate the legacy of Saint Brigid and the values she represented. A French thriller, La Syndicaliste tells the extraordinary real-life story of Irish woman Maureen Kearney, a senior trade union representative-turned-whistleblower in a French power company. Maureen’s efforts to expose top-secret deals met with fierce resistance from powerful people. Her life was turned upside down when she was violently assaulted and then subsequently accused by police of faking the attack. "You may never have heard of Maureen Kearney, but you won’t forget her after this"- Irish Independent★★★★ "La Syndicaliste is a fascinating true crime drama that unfolds like a thriller"- Irish Examiner★★★★ Refreshments 7.30pm and film 8pm. 122 minutes, France/Germany, subtitled, 15A (IFCO rating) All tickets €5, available in Woodbine Books and on Eventbrite.

8pmEdel Meade from Co. Tipperary is one of Ireland's leading performers, noted for her stunning voice and mesmerising live performances. Join her for a very special solo concert performance weaving together a beautiful selection of music, stories and songs related to Brigid, Gobnait and Sheela-na-gig drawing from Irish folklore and mythology and premiering a brand new original song composed specially for this event. Tickets available from https://www.riverbank.ie/ Group: Edel Meade Location: Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge

An International Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St. Brigid will take place in Kildare Town on Saturday 15th June, 2024. A unique cultural event, it will be interspersed with reflection, storytelling, music, poetry, and prayer. The event aims to commemorate the 1500th Anniversary of St. Brigid’s life and her influential role as a pioneering woman of Ireland. The day will highlight her extraordinary achievements, spiritual legacy and lasting impact on society and relevance for today, through pilgrimage. Pilgrims are invited to gather at Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre for registration and refreshment at 10am. Following which, the group will transfer by bus to take a walk on The Curragh Plain, 'St. Brigid's Pastures'. The group will also visit the historic town of Kildare, taking in St. Brigid's Cathedral and St. Brigid's Church to see the Relic of St. Brigid. Returning for a light lunch, the visitors will walk to St. Brigid's Well, followed by a closing ritual at Solas Bhríde. Pilgrims are advised to dress for the weather and prepare for a walk of approximately 2km. This year's marking of the 1500th Anniversary of St. Brigid's life has brought many more visitors to Solas Bhríde and Co. Kildare, travelling from as far as Australia, the United States of America and across Europe. If you would like to participate in this unique event, more information and details on how to book a place for June 15th may be found on the website  https://solasbhride.ie/

Building on our hugely successful 'Watch Over Us' theatre production as part of Brigid 1500 earlier this year, Griese Youth Theatre will now look at creating an archive of what our young people feel binds and connects them to each other and the world around them. In a world where we can feel isolated while surrounded by others, or in a virtual room full of people online, we will ask who our perceived protectors are? St Brigid? Pagan Brigid? Harry Styles? The GAA? St Anthony? Over the course of 10 weeks, our younger Youth Theatre members aged 11-14 will workshop these ideas with an aim to create a spoken word piece which will be filmed and shown as part of the groups summer theatre showcase in the Riverbank Arts Centre. This screening will take place on Saturday June 29th 2024. During this 10 week course, the group will work closely with a theatre director, Dee Burke and writer, Eric O' Brien. Both of whom were artists on 'Watch over Us' earlier this year. (Image attached from Watch Over Us, Bramble archway installation by Judy Lawler)

Join Maire and Anne as they show you how to create your own wool fabric bag using this ancient textile technique.  Learn how to lay down layers of fibers around a resist and then using warm water, soap and your ELBOW GREASE transform the wool into a bag to take home. You will also make a long shoulder strap and discuss ways to embellish and close your bag. Please note this workshop is now full, but you can join the waiting list at the following link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/naaslibrary/1325480

Brigid's Worlds

Brought to you by Kildare County Council and Maynooth University

Dates: September 13th and 14th 2024. The life and times of St Brigid and her Church of Kildare from the 5th to the 9th centuries.

Time and Date: 7 PM to 9 PM on January 23rd and 30th
Location: Straffan Community Hall

In this beginner's workshop, you will learn how to create a screen-printed design using a paper stencil. We'll guide you through the process step-by-step, from sketching your design to cutting out stencils and transferring your image onto fabric. No prior experience is necessary — just bring your creativity!

Line-up: Megan O’Neill & Friends

The M52 is making its journey from Robertstown to Sallins Grand Canal for the opening night of the St. Brigid’s Festival 2025, bringing with it a truly magical experience. From the deck of this century-old canal barge, Megan O’Neill and friends will deliver an unforgettable floating concert as audiences gather along the banks of the Grand Canal.

Spirit of Play – Creativity Day Riverbank, Newbridge, January 25th

Be inspired by St. Brigid and unleash your creative side at this celebratory day of inclusive family events. Experience Wet Felting with Tamzen Lundy, Moving Words with Selma Daniels and StrongWomen Science. Free events, booking essential.

The Wonderful Barn, Leixlip, Co. Kildare

Line-Up: Professor Noel Fitzpatrick (Channel 4’s Supervet and No.1 best-selling author), Michelin Green Star restauranteur Jess Murphy of Kai Restaurant in Galway, storyteller Helena Byrne, Elaine McDonald of Saor Dance, Jennie Cantwell & the Koru Wellness team. Local historian Denis McCarthy.

A family-friendly event dedicated to health, wellness and en-joy-ment, This Wonderful World: A Day For Wellness & Joy will feature a wide range of activities for adults and children, wellness workshops, sound therapy sessions and a fantastic range of artisan food trucks.