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]
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.
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]
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.
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
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]
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)
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)
Kilteel St. Brigid's Arts Weekend will be hosting an art exhibition in Kilteel Community Hall, Kilteel, Co. Kildare. From 8 p.m. Friday February 2nd From 10 a.m. Saturday February 3rd From 10.30 a.m. Sunday February 4th Friday evening guest performance by Nóiníní
NAAS COUNTRY MARKET, Celebrating Brigid 1500 Flower and Winter Foliage demonstration 10 am Friday 2nd February, 2024. Location: Moat Theatre
Come and experience the joy of dancing together as we celebrate St. Brigid: A Woman, A Life, A Legacy. Bring joy and harmony to your heart at this Springtime of the year. Presenters: Terry Hennessy, Betty White Venue: Solas Bhríde Spirituality CentreTime: 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Admission: €15.00Booking: www.solasbhride.ie
An exhibition of Art, Poetry and SongTime : 6pm "VisionÉire brings together a group of artists, poets, storytellers, and musicians to showcase in a pop-up style exhibition/showcasing in Celbridge County Kildare for the Brigid 1500 Festival 2023. This 2-day event opens on Friday 2nd Feb at 6pm in the Slip Hall in Celbridge Co. Kildare. Come, be a part of, and enjoy the work of artists both local and from across this beautiful land of Éire, bringing together their expressions of Brigid with representations of work from a diverse range of individuals including groups from Saint John of God, St Raphaels in Celbridge. The event will host an exhibition of art, performances of poetry, story, and song, and will facilitate creative workshops in one space in the center of the Celbridge community. The event aims to highlight the beauty of the multitude of expressions of the community & the inspiration that Brigid and the time of Imbolc bring to each heart. Group: VisionÉire Location: Slip Hall, Celbridge
An exhibition of Art, Poetry and Song 10am - 8pm "VisionÉire brings together a group of artists, poets, storytellers, and musicians to showcase in a pop-up style exhibition/showcasing in Celbridge County Kildare for the Brigid 1500 Festival 2023. This 2-day event opens on Friday 2nd Feb at 6pm in the Slip Hall in Celbridge Co. Kildare. Come, be a part of, and enjoy the work of artists both local and from across this beautiful land of Éire, bringing together their expressions of Brigid with representations of work from a diverse range of individuals including groups from Saint John of God, St Raphaels in Celbridge. The event will host an exhibition of art, performances of poetry, story, and song, and will facilitate creative workshops in one space in the center of the Celbridge community. The event aims to highlight the beauty of the multitude of expressions of the community & the inspiration that Brigid and the time of Imbolc bring to each heart. Group: VisionÉireLocation: Slip Hall, Celbridge
Gleaning wisdom from old customs and traditions to live more fully and sustainably while turning towards a future of greater well-being for ourselves and Planet Earth. Presenters: Brenda Kindregan, Margaret WalshTime: 2.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.Venue: Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre Admission: €15.00 (incl. tea/coffee)Booking: www.solasbhride.ie or [email protected]
Join us at the Curragh Racecourse for an exclusive family friendly evening of free festivities. The line up will celebrate the rich heritage of Ireland while combining the art of dance and theatre with captivating performances from Celine Byrne, Riverdance and Kila. Please note this will be a predominantly standing event.
Venue: St. Brigid’s Well, Kildare Time: 10.30 a.m. Parking available at Solas Bhríde
“The Book of Kildare” an original book of calligraphy and illuminations by Josephine Hardiman. Josephine Hardiman will give a presentation on the inspiration behind her unique project. Presenter: Josephine Hardiman Venue: Solas Bhride Centre, Tully RoadTime: 3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.Admission: €5.00 (Sponsored event)(Incl. tea/coffee)Booking; www.solasbhride.ieAfter the presentation Josephine will be available to sign copies of her book
Luxe Landscape Theatre will lead a grand fiery processional event in Market Square, Kildare Town on Sunday, February 4th 2024. Gathering at 5.45 in Market Square- procession leaves at 6pm. Road closures in place. Dress for the weather. Photography and filming will be in progress. No tickets are required for this event.
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
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
Location: Maynooth Library Join Beth from willow wonder for a St Brigid's cross making workshop as part of the Brigid1500 Festival, ' a programme of events to celebrate and commemorate St. Brigid the woman, the life and the legacy. Working with rushes gathered on Brigid's pastures, workshop participants will weave together and remember a woman and an inspiration to us all.Book your free ticket here: https://buytickets.at/maynoothlibrary/1105694 Group: Library Service Location: Maynooth
Presenter: Eoghan CorryVenue: Kildare Education Support Centre, Friary Road, Kildare Town Booking: Kildare Education Support Centre https://bit.ly/3SFelUsAdmission: FREE– Sponsored by Kildare Education Support CentreEnquiries to Kildare Education Support Centre: Phone 045-530200email: [email protected]
Go out into the natural world, look, listen and know your place within creation.Presenters: Solas Bhríde TeamTime: 10.30 a.m. – 11.15 a.m.Venue: Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre, Tully Road Admission: €5.00 (Sponsored event – incl tea/coffeeEnquiries to: www.solasbhride.ie or [email protected]
Hosted by: Afri – Action from IrelandVenue: Solas Bhríde Spirituality CentreTime: 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Admission: €35.00 Concession: €20.00Enquires to: [email protected] or Tel: +353 (0)1 838420 Further information on Féile Bríde available at: Solas Bhríde CentrePh: 045 522890 Email: [email protected] www.solasbhride.ie Heritage CentreFor further events in Kildare Town please contact The Heritage Centre:Ph: 045 530672 Email: [email protected] www.kildareheritage.com
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. Nominated for Academy Award for Best Animated Film 2015. Winner Best Film, Irish Film & Television Awards 2015. 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.
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.
Head office Aras Chill Dara
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