Updated January 2025–While Saint Patrick’s Day is known the world over as March 17th, a day that is dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick, Ireland’s female patron saint, Brigid, has remained in the shadows, at least to an international audience.
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Otherwise known as Saint Brigid of Kildare, the life of this early Christian nun is celebrated in Ireland each year on Feb. 1, which marks her feast day.
However, the newly established bank holiday that honors her falls on Monday, Feb. 3 this year.
It is a day that is also associated with the pagan festival known as Imbolc, a popular event in pre-Christian Ireland that worshipped the Celtic pagan Goddess of Fire known as Brigit.
In Christian Ireland, the day eventually became known as Saint Brigid’s Day, with people in towns and villages across the country making Saint Brigid’s crosses woven from rushes in her honor.
Doll-like figures were also created and were brought from house to house by young girls.
Saint Brigid, who is believed to have been born in 451 AD in Faughart, County Louth, to a Christian slave baptized by Saint Patrick and a father who was both a pagan and a wealthy chieftain in Leinster was truly revered in Old Ireland.
Most Irish people over the centuries believed that by worshipping her, their homes and livestock could be protected.
Shop for a Variety of St. Brigid's Crosses & Jewelry on Etsy
Honoring Brigid in Modern-Day Ireland
In recent years, the importance of Saint Brigid has been elevated and brought to a new generation with the creation of HerStory, a multi-disciplinary storytelling platform that celebrates female role-models.
The initiative received drew national and international attention to Brigid through a series of colorful displays on many of Ireland's landmark buildings as well as sponsoring a number of musical and cultural events.
Brigid 2025 – Spirit of Kildare
Following the success of Brigid 1500, an initiative that came about last year to celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of Brigid's death around 524 AD, this year, Kildare County Council are putting on an even larger celebration this year that promises to be “bigger, bolder, and more vibrant than ever before with Brigid 2025 – Spirit of Kildare.”
The festival, which will take place between Jan. 24th and Feb. 2nd, promises to be an inclusive celebration honoring St. Brigid's life and legacy and bringing her unique story to a new audience.
Several events are planned, including dance shows, craft demonstrations, wellness events, science shows, sports events and talks. The headline show on Feb. 1 will feature some of Ireland’s top female artists, including Sharon Shannon and Lyra, performing at the Curragh racecourse in Kildare.
Cavan – Bringing St. Brigid's Cloak to Life
Be sure to visit the excellent Cavan County Museum which is hosting a wonderful exhibition showcasing embroidered cloaks, created with over 200 individual pieces of feltwork, gelli print, embroidery and crochet. The exhibition runs from Jan. 28th through Feb. 22nd.
Kilkenny – St. Brigid's Music and Arts Festival
The theme of reawakening is being celebrated in Kilkenny, which is hosting the St Brigid’s Music and Arts Festival from Jan. 31st through Feb. 3rd with music, theater and craft events.
Louth – Northern Lights Light Show, Candlelit Procession and Workshop
The Northern Lights Celebrating Brigid show in Dundalk blends modern technology with history.
The light show, expected to take place on Feb. 1st and 2nd, will be choreographed to the rhythm of captivating music that is intended to invigorate and inspire.
The eight golden arches feature up to 200,000 individual points of light and are adorned with symbols inspired by the Brigid of Faughart mural created by renowned Irish artist Friz.
On February 2nd, the Faughart Candlelit Procession offers a tribute to Brigid with drummers, robed figures, and Gregorian chants, and for a more hands-on experience, the Brigid Symbols and Customs Workshop at An Táin Arts Centre on Feb. 1st will include a lesson on the art of weaving a St. Brigid’s cross.
Roscommon – Brigid's Awakening Festival
The Brigid's Awakening Festival in Roscommon, which takes place over two weekends from Jan. 28th through Feb. 5th, celebrates Brigid from goddess to saint, highlighting the creativity and innovation of women in Irish society, past and present, real and mythological.
The festival is a collaboration between Strokestown Park, where the National Famine Museum is located; Rathcroghan, and Keenans of Tarmonbarry, a local hotel.
It will feature local art, performances, and the incredible history of County Roscommon.
Sligo – Bríd Festival
Taking place from Jan. 29th to Feb. 3rd, this St. Brigid-focused event features a packed program of free things to do for all ages, including ceramic workshops, a children’s poetry competition, poetry readings and even a St. Brigid supper.
Tipperary – Brigid, Gobnait & Sheela-na-Gig with Edel Meade
Celebrate St. Brigid’s Day on Saturday Feb. 1st at 7.30 p.m. at the Nenagh Arts Centre with an unforgettable evening of songs, stories and reflections from award-winning performing artist and Tipperary woman, Edel Meade.
Meade will perform a rich tapestry of music and anecdotes to honor Brigid, Gobnait and Sheela-na-gig (referring to the stone carvings that can be found in sites across Ireland that depict the naked female body), celebrating the Divine Feminine and reflecting on how ancient wisdom can inform our present and future.
Discover more creative St. Brigid-related events at Creative Ireland.
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Tourist Attractions Honoring Saint Brigid
It is fitting that most of the celebrations honoring Brigid's life are taking place in County Kildare.
It is where she founded a monastery for both men and women.
As a result, it became an important center of religion and learning, in addition to being a place where metalwork and illumination were taught.
An important illuminated manuscript is said to have been created at the monastery — similar to the Book of Kells — but we will never know since it has been lost for centuries.
Saint Brigid’s Trail in Kildare traces the history of this pious woman, who was known for giving to the poor.
The trail, which takes about two hours to complete, starts at the Kildare Heritage Center (once an 18th-century market house), where you can watch a film about Brigid’s connection to the town.
It continues to St. Brigid’s Cathedral (built on the site of the monastery). The west windows of the nave show Saint Brigid helping the poor and making her religious vows.
Behind the cathedral is a round tower built in the 12th century and to its north are the restored foundations of an ancient fire temple.
In pre-Christian times priestesses are believed to have held a perpetual fire to the goddess Brigit.
The local Saint Brigid nuns carried on the tradition until two bishops tried to have it extinguished. It was eventually put out during the Reformation and only lit again in 1993.
The trail continues south toward St. Brigid’s Parish Church, which was opened by Daniel O’Connell in 1833.
The main church doors contain six bronze panels each bearing a Saint Brigid's cross.
At the altar, eight stones were cut to form another Brigid’s cross. There are many more tributes to the saint in this beautiful church, including an interior shrine.
Also included in the trail is the Solas Bhride Centre and the ancient St. Brigid’s Well, where you’ll see a statue of Brigid with a bishop’s staff in her hand, lending to the belief that some think she may have risen to the rank of bishop while in charge of the Kildare monastery.
Other Places in Ireland that Venerate Saint Brigid
Since Brigid was born in County Louth, it’s no surprise that she is remembered there.
Located about 15 minutes from Dundalk, you will find a shrine and a well in her honor.
The shrine has stones that are said to heal head, back, and knee ailments, and another stone that is always wet is said to bless the eyes.
Legend says that Brigid drew water from this well, hence its popularity among people who seek solace and healing.
A well in Liscannor in County Clare is also dedicated to Saint Brigid. It is one of the oldest wells in the country rumored to have healing powers.
Other holy wells and shrines exist in Counties Cavan, Donegal, and Westmeath.
Brigit’s Garden in County Galway also pays homage to Ireland’s female patron saint. The garden evokes images of Celtic heritage and mythology and is well worth a visit.
The award-winning gardens are known as one of the most spectacular in Ireland containing 11 acres of native woodland and wildflower meadows.
There’s also a nature trail there, as well an ancient ring fort, otherwise known in Ireland as a fairy fort, a thatched roundhouse and crannog, and a calendar sundial, the largest in the country.
Do the legends of Saint Brigid resonate with you? Are you named after the saint or perhaps a relative is? Let me know in the comments below.
St.Brigid has great meaning for me. She appeared to me in a dream when I was a child. Since I’ve grown up, my life has brought me back to her. She has so touched my life. When I was at a low point in my life and suffering, I knew she was there holding my hand. She is a great soul–a bringer of light to those who seek it.
How wonderful, Michael. Glad to hear she has a special meaning for you.
Saint Brigid’s legacy is such an important part of Irish history. This article does a great job of highlighting her influence and cultural significance. The insights into traditions and celebrations make for an interesting read.