1 Brigid 2025, Spirit of Kildare Festival
Based in Kildare for much of her life, it’s no surprise that the county boasts probably the biggest celebration of St Brigid, attracting nearly 80,000 visitors to the county last year.
Presented by Kildare County Council, Brigid 2025, Spirit of Kildare Festival from 24 January to 3 February has an impressive programme including a major concert series, a fire procession in Maynooth; ‘Warriors! Celebrating Women in Irish Sport’ with Anna Geary in the Curragh, a ‘Green Grannies Bingo’ show, and more.
While many of ticketed concerts featuring big names like Imelda May, Una Healy, Maria Doyle Kennedy and more are sold out, there are still plenty of free events and concerts to enjoy.
For example, on 1 February, Sharon Shannon, Lyra, Irish Women In Harmony and more will perform at a free concert called ‘The St Brigid’s Day Gathering’ in the Curragh.
• See spiritofbrigid.ie
2 Armagh Rhymers
Through music, storytelling, drama and incredible costumes, the Armagh Rhymers have been evoking the spirit of the wren boys and the ancient house-visiting traditions of Ireland for 47 years.
The celebrated ensemble will impart their skills at a drop-in straw-weaving workshop at the National Museum Collins Barracks, Dublin on Monday, 3 February, from 1pm to 3pm. Attendees will learn about the eye-catching masks made from flax, willow and straw, hear stories about Brigid and other saints and make St Brigid’s crosses.
Then from 3.30pm to 4.30pm, visitors get to see the talented troupe in action at their Spring Spectacular Show, billed as a colourful, family-friendly performance to mark the start of the new season, imparting knowledge about the traditions and rituals of Imbolc.
Both events are free. Booking is not required, however spaces are limited.
• See museum.ie
3 Make a St Brigid’s cross, Co Derry
One of the most recognisable traditions of St Brigid’s feast day is the beautiful cross that bears her name. Learn the skill of making the distinctive cross from rushes or reeds on 1 February in the An Carn complex, based in Sleacht Néill near Maghera, Co Derry.
As well as keeping the tradition alive, you’ll also get to enjoy some griddle scones, soda bread, pancakes and a cup of tea. This event, which is suitable for families, takes place in An Croí Café in the centre. Donations on the door.
A hub of community activity, An Carn offers a range of community Irish language classes and events through Gaeilge, a multi-disciplinary arts programme in An Coire Arts Centre; Irish crafts and gifts in Siopa An Carn; An Croí Café; self-catering accommodation; plus acres of outdoors to explore at Drumnaph Nature Reserve.
• See ancarn.org/whats-on
4 Celebrate Lá Fhéile Bríd, Co Galway
A day-long celebration of the goddess, saint, and the Celtic fire festival of Imbolc to welcome spring takes place at the appropriately named Brigit’s Garden in Galway on Monday, 3 February.
Based in Rosscahill, the gardens are themed around the Celtic festivals, providing a rich source of symbolism in relation to nature, the land, and ancient traditions, so it’s a fitting place to hear stories and rituals associated with our only female patron saint.
Free cross-making or brídeog (Brigit doll) workshops take place on Sunday, 1 February. Donations to Brigit’s Garden, a registered charity are welcome.
• See brigitsgarden.ie
5 Yoga and nature retreat, Co Carlow
Peace is at the heart of the ethos of Lisnavagh House and Estate, close to Rathvilly in Co Carlow, and its popular retreats aim to help the process of resting and restoring the body and mind. In honour of St Brigid, a yoga and nature retreat with Pamela Butler will celebrate women, sisterhood, and the blessings of water and light on 1 February.
The day begins at 10am with a welcome juice or tea, before a full-day programme and tuition. Lunch and refreshments are included, and there will be a small Lisnavagh goodie bag for retreat participants.
Price is €95 per person. Men and women are welcome. Optional overnight accommodation is available.
• See lisnavagh.com
6 Féile na mBan, Co Donegal
A weekend honouring women from all walks of life in a diverse line-up of film, talks, performance, art, music and craft takes place in Bundoran, Co Donegal, from 31 January to 3 February.
Among the eye-catching events are performances by renowned musicians including Clannad’s Máiread Ní Mhaonigh, the Henry Girls and The Whileaways. There are talks by biographer Ann Chamber on Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s pirate queen; Dr Niamh Hamill discusses the stories that surround Brigid, and Maura Logue presents The Play Actors of Drumshee, described as comedy with a Donegal flavour.
A creative workshop focusing on Aran knitting and its place in Irish culture is presented by Edel MacBride. There’s a Handmade in Bundoran and Beyond craft market, meditation with Sherrie Scott and more.
• See feilenamban.ie
7 Multi-generational concert, Co Kerry
A magical event of music, prose, poetry and song hosted by Cór Siamsa Tíre in Tralee, Co Kerry, brings together generations of women on 2 February.
This special project commenced in November, gathering together over 100 multi-generational female voices to honour the legacy of Irish women in culture, politics, and the arts.
The music is carefully chosen to reflect the endless talent of the women in the local community, while the poetry and prose include a curated selection from renowned Irish female writers.
It will also feature traditional music pieces collected and performed by Éist Éirú – made up of cousins and Listowel musicians Aisling Neville and Katie Lucey with Offaly native Áine Murray Hurley. Tickets are €25, plus booking fee.
• See siamsatire.com
8 Honouring women, Dublin
Now in its fourth year, Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women takes place from 31 January to 3 February with over 90 events taking place across the city, offering a diverse celebration of the contribution of women.
On Sunday, 2 February, Brigit’s Parade through the heart of the capital is sure to be a spectacle featuring dynamic performances from 3.30pm.
Other highlights include Shine On: Brigit projections returning to Dublin’s GPO, a 50 First Skates event as well as walking and cycling tours exploring women’s history like the forgotten women of 1916.
An interactive Imbolc Fair on 3 February includes a DJ session by Louise Bruton celebrating the Celtic goddess, live screen painting with Damn Fine Print, flower crown workshops by Flowerpop and blacksmithing/butter-making demos and workshops.
• See dublin.ie/whats-on/brigit