Events

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.

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.

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.

Kildare Innovation Campus, 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.

Free Spinning & Carding drop-in workshop, Kildare Town Library. Locally sourced Curragh fleece carded and spun into wool.

Kildare Innovation Campus, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
Doors: 7:15pm

Starring: Mary Coughlan, HamsandwicH, Orla Gartland, Lisa O’Neill & More!

A star-studded concert celebrating the theme This Wonderful World and featuring some of Ireland’s leading female artists. This concert will connect the spirit of Brigid with the primal power of This Wonderful World we are determined to safeguard, to love and to en-joy…

Dreamland Ballroom, The Arch, Kilkenny Rd, Blackparks, Athy, Co. Kildare

Starring: Bob Geldof, Robert Grace, Danny O’Reilly, Amble, Jack L, Robert Grace and local Athy band MOA.

Doors: 6,30pm

Start time: 7.30pm

In the spirit of positivity and inclusivity that runs throughout Brigid 2025 Festival, the concert will bring together some of Ireland’s leading artists to celebrate the 'He For She' ideal, adding a new dimension to the Brigid’s Day proceedings in which men share the festival, and its core message, of female empowerment.

Tuesday 28th January: Athy Library 6pm.

Wednesday 29th January: Naas Library & Cultural Centre 7pm.

Thursday 30th January: Kildare Town Library 6.30pm

Celebrate St. Brigid’s Day with an unforgettable evening of songs, stories and reflections from Edel Meade. The award-winning performing artist and Tipperary woman will present a rich tapestry of music and anecdotes to honour Brigid, Gobnait and Sheela-na-gig, celebrating the Divine Feminine and reflecting on how ancient wisdom can inform our present and future.

Join Charlotte for a relaxed workshop creating St Brigid Crosses. This is suitable for beginners or anyone who would like to partake in the tradition with a chat and refreshments. 
Suitable for adults only. Supplies provided.

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.

Celebrate Brigid, Spirit of Kildare with Dúlra Forest School! Discover 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. 

Suitable for 5-12yearsContact Newbridge Library to book on 045 906130 or [email protected]