The Brigit Festival in Dublin, to take place from Jan. 3oth through Feb. 2nd, pays homage to the Celtic goddess Brigit, reimagined by Christians as Saint Brigid, Ireland’s female patron saint.
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The fifth annual Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women includes a myriad of events across the city, offering a diverse celebration of the contribution that women have made to Irish culture, society and history in the form of talks, performances, walks, workshops, music, and visual art.
In Celtic mythology, Brigit is seen as a powerful symbol of inspiration, healing, wisdom, poetry, magic, smith craft, protection, fire, and earth.
The festival also coincides with the pagan holiday, Imbolc, which marks the beginning of Spring.
A highlight of the event is a parade, which will take place this year on Feb. 1st at 3:30 p.m., beginning at Capel Street, and include large-scale puppetry, dance, music, and myth-inspired street performances celebrating women past and present.
Here is a sampling of what’s on during the Brigit Festival in Dublin.
Rebels and Revolutionaries: Women’s History Tour
Visitors to Dublin may like this informative tour at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, a popular Dublin attraction, that talks about the lives and legacies of women who have blazed a trail in Ireland and beyond.
They include former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, Countess Constance Markievicz, an instrumental member of the 1916 Easter Rising, as well as other lesser known figures left out of traditional history books.
When: Jan. 30th-Feb. 2nd, 1 p.m.
Cost: Adults: €21; Children: €14.50.
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Brigid’s Spark: Fire in the Body
No experience is necessary for this enjoyable workshop at the The Gaiety School of Acting – The National Theatre School of Ireland that focuses on shared storytelling and playful theatrical exercises that delve into the Brigid story.
When: Jan. 30th, 6 p.m.
Cost: €5 per person.
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Women’s Lives Hidden in Buildings: A Walking Tour
This tour, part of the Brigit Festival lineup of events, reveals the lives of women who lived, worked and struggled in Dublin’s lesser-known neighborhoods.
The tour begins on Henrietta Street, Dublin’s first Georgian street which was once the home of Dublin’s elite, only to be turned into tenements years later.
Other stops on the tour include the Green Street Courthouse as well as the site where Newgate Prison once stood. Other landmarks on the tour include Dublin’s historic fruit and vegetable market, built in 1892, where many women worked under harsh conditions.
When: Jan. 30th-Feb. 1st
Cost: €11.70
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The Saints, Scholars and Scribes of Ireland! Early Medieval Handling Workshop
The National Museum of Ireland Archeology is the location for this special drop-in workshop where participants can learn about replicas of jet crosses from Yorkshire, early medieval leather shoes, and. brooches for cloaks and other clothing.
Great activity for kids. Participants are encouraged to explore the museum’s galleries afterward.
When: Jan. 31st, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free (no booking required)
Revolutionary Women: Exploring Women’s Roles in Conflict in Ireland
Learn about the lives and actions of women at the center of Ireland’s revolutionary past at the National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks.
When: Jan. 31st-Feb. 1st, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free (no booking required but spaces are limited so first-come, first-served)
Saints, Goddesses and Queens Workshop
Brigid is revered as both an ancient Irish goddess and a Christian saint, celebrated for her powerful associations with sunrise, fire, and gold.
Participants will learn about Brigid and other remarkable women that are represented in the Chester Beatty collections and create their own richly embellished portrait inspired by these saints, goddesses, and queens.
When: Jan. 31st, 12 noon
Cost: Free
Brigid’s Cross Demonstration
Participants will learn the traditional technique of making a Brigid’s Cross with step-by-step guidance that uses fresh rushes in this fun demonstration.
To be held at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland.
When: Feb. 1st, 11 a.m., 12 p.m. 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
In addition, images of Brigid will be illuminated on several prominent buildings in the city, including the GPO, Barnardo Square, the Hugh Lane Gallery, and at other locations.
Discover more events on the Brigid 2026 website.