Please note that photography/filming will be taking place at each of the Brigid, Spirit of Kildare 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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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]
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!
Landscape Theatre Company LUXE, Kildare County Council, Davis Events bring fire and light through the town. A feast of lanterns, procession and fire performance to kindle Brigid’s flame and mark the changing seasons. “Carrying Her Flame”. Working with the community of Maynooth, LUXE will carry light and fire in a processional performance spreading her flame on the Main Street in Maynooth, with a fiery and illuminated celebration. Gathering at 7.15pm – procession leaves at 7.30pm. Dress for the weather. Photography and filming will be in progress. No tickets are required for this event.
As part of Kildare County Council's Brigid, Spirit of Kildare initiative, Athy Sing and Sign is excited to present a FREE resource featuring Irish Sign Language (ISL) signs related to St. Brigid! This is a fantastic opportunity for educators, parents, and individuals to learn together or enhance your own skills.
Join us in celebrating St. Brigid by exploring the beauty of ISL through these signs.
Join artist James Winnett on a guided tour of the Stones of the Hollow Hill, a new public artwork for Kerdiffstown Park near Naas. James will share the inspiration behind the work, insights into the carving process and guide you through the story across the 18 stones. The tour will conclude at the summit of the hill with an opportunity to witness the Brigid's Day solar alignment at sunrise / sunset (weather permitting).
Celebrate St. Brigid with Dúlra Forest School! Discover St. 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.
A collaborative art session where participants work together to make a St Brigid's theme Jigsaw.
Students work both individually and as a group to each create a small section of the larger artwork. They need to work with the person whose jigsaw piece sits beside theirs on colour, line and shading. At the end of the workshop, we assemble the large artwork which can be displayed for all to see. Suitable for children aged 5+
One of the most widespread Irish customs associated with St. Brigid is the making of the St. Brigid’s Cross. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to weave the traditional rush cross.
A fun, sport-filled day at The Curragh for all the family! This free public event will feature leading Irish sportswomen and sports organisations, in a series of sporting activities, demonstrations, training sessions, meet and greets, and public interviews – with fun for all ages!
“Pause for Peace – A Global Call for Unity and Hope".
This St. Brigid’s Day, February 1st, people worldwide are invited to Pause for Peace—a minute of silence at 12 noon local time. Together, we can send a powerful message of hope, solidarity, and opposition to war and violence.
Launched in 2023 by Kildare Tourism and Solas Bhríde, this inspiring movement celebrates St. Brigid, the Bringer of Peace, and has become a global tradition. Beginning in New Zealand, the Pause for Peace ripples across continents, uniting communities in a shared moment of reflection and commitment to peace.
Join us in answering the call—let’s Pause for Peace and help create a more peaceful world.”
Spirit of Play - Sustainability Day in Clane Abbey Community Centre. A day packed with hilarious performances, hands-on activities, and games all about sustainability. Experience Animal Yoga for kids to move and play and join the Green Grannies Bingo for a heart warming variety show. Free events, booking essential.
In collaboration with Wild Kids Forest School, we're delighted to have received funding from Brigid, Spirit of Kildare! Come and spend the morning weaving some Brigid's Crosses with us, on my land in Donadea, we'll have fire and tea and tasty treats, and we'll explore making different types of Brigid's crosses and also the God's eye weave!
Monasterevin Parish have organised a Camino Walk to commemorate Brigid. Starting at St. Brigid's Shine at Mountrice W34X529 on the Monasterevin - Rathangan Road (R414) at 11am on Monday 3rd February (walk is approx 6km). Car parking provided at Mountrice Cross. The walk will be led by the Bishop and will journey via Umeras then along Canal Blueway, finishing in St. Peter & Paul Church W34KD61 Monasterevin with a Service of Light at 12.30pm.
Celebrating Sallins Biodiversity, Brigid, & Bikes
Meet at Canal Stores at 11.00 to dress your bike
11.30 Parade
12.00 Picnic
Cycle, scoot or walk.
All Welcome
Come and spend the day exploring seasonal foods, medicine and dyes! We will explore and identify the seasonal plants on my land and use them to explore, harvest and process their various uses be it the folklore attached, foraging, making food, medicine or natural plant dyes. There will be abundant spring greens such as nettle, cleavers and wild garlic to be foraged. We will spend time walking on the land attuning into what is going on in late spring, what is growing, what plants are you drawn to, what properties does it have?! Talking about incorporating wild foods in your diet and discussing the benefits of living in rhythm with the seasons. We will cook on the fire and share food as part of the day!
Learn how to make St. Brigid's crosses and Bridóg dolls in this workshop with Sheena Malone.
The workshop is suitable for all age groups. For older participants, we will use rushes from which St. Brigid’s crosses have traditionally been made for generations. The younger participants will make their crosses from from colourful pipe-cleaners which are more manageable for smaller fingers.
All materials (rushes, pipe-cleaners, elastic bands) will be provided by the artist.
All children attending this workshop must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Through the telling of the legends of St. Brigid we will explore Brigid’s awareness of the Divine in everything and how this underpinned her response and her actions.
Presenters: Solas Bhride Team
Venue: Solas Bhride Spirituality Centre
In person and online event.
Link for online participants will be forwarded on the morning of the 5th.
Booking details: www.solasbhride.ie or [email protected] Ph: 045 522890
Join local writer Mae Leonard and members of the Wordsmiths Writing Group for this special event as part of the Feile Bríde programme in Kildare Town Library.
Brigid's Arts Festival Athy is holding a magical music evening in Athy Community Arts Centre/Methodist Church on February 7th at 7.30pm. Áine Máire Hynes and Domhan(Ciara O'Donnell) perform their soulful music celebrating Brigid. Domhan (Ciara O Donnell) is a shamanic practitioner and musician from Mayo.
Organised in partnership with the Brigidines and Cairde Bríde in the beautiful Solas Bhríde Centre, this gathering is dedicated to exploring and encouraging action on the pressing issues of our time. It brings together diverse speakers, wonderful musicians, and active community members for a day filled with information and inspiration, punctuated by music and poetry, a light lunch, tree planting, and conversation.
Location: Sallins Community Centre Parish Hall, Sallins, Kildare.
2 willow weaving sessions in celebration of Brigids link to nature and biodiversity. Willow weaving is a heritage craft from a very sustainable material.
Hosted and guided by expert willow weaver Helena Golden 'The Willow Woman' and Sallins Tidy Towns.
Venue: Leixlip Youth and Community Centre, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
Description: Join us for the unveiling of a vibrant mural in our new Sensory Garden. The mural, funded by the Brigid, Spirit of Kildare Festival, Community and Creative Grant, celebrates the beauty of nature and community. This event is open to all, and guests will enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and pastries as they explore this peaceful outdoor space. No booking is required for this event.