Updated January 2026–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. 1st, 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.
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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 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.
If you’re visiting Ireland right now, you might want to check out some of the following Brigid-related events happening around the country.
Dublin – The Brigit Festival
The fifth annual Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women festival 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.
The highlight of the festivities 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.
Dublin – Mná Fest 2026
A free four-day festival to be held at Ardgillan Castle & Gardens in North County Dublin, with female-led workshops, crafts, installations, and performances, may be of interest to you.
The event will take place between Jan. 30th and Feb. 2nd.
The word “mná” in the Irish language means women, so Mná Fest is literally the Women’s Festival.
Kildare – Brigid, Spirit of Kildare
Following the success of Brigid 1500, an initiative that came about two years ago to celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of Brigid’s death around 524 AD, this year, Kildare County Council are once again putting on a celebration that includes five days of music, art, culture and family-friendly activities.
The festival, which will take place between Jan. 29th 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.
According to festival organizers, the 2026 program “builds on the success of previous years, offering a mix of free and ticketed events, designed to welcome all audiences and celebrate the best of Kildare’s culture and community.”
Several events are planned, including dance shows, craft demonstrations, wellness events, science shows, sports events and talks.
Cavan – Bringing St. Brigid’s Cloak to Life
Be sure to visit the excellent Cavan County Museum where you will see a St. Brigid’s cloak on permanent display on St. Brigid’s Eve, Jan. 31st.
This follows the successful launch last year of an exhibition, which showcased embroidered cloaks, created with over 200 individual pieces of feltwork, gelli print, embroidery and crochet.
Kilkenny – Brigid’s Day Imbolg Celebration
The Butler Gallery in Kilkenny is celebrating the first day of Spring/Imbolc as well as the Celtic goddess Brigid on Feb. 1 with a special drop-in event.
Additional workshops and other events are slated to take place throughout this beautiful gallery, with a special exhibition of Brigid’s cloaks and print works in the gallery’s learning center and gallery grounds.
It is free to attend.
Louth – Northern Lights Light Show, Candlelit Procession and Workshop
The Northern Lights Celebrating Brigid – Light Shows 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 light show will take place in Dundalk’s Market Square at 6, 6:20, 6:40 and 7 p.m.
On Jan. 31st, the Faughart Candlelit Procession offers a wonderful tribute to Brigid led by female-robed figures carrying a representation of Brigid followed by a lone drummer.
The procession will start at St. Brigid’s shrine and end at the Faughhart graveyard, where you’ll find a shrine in her honor.
For a more hands-on experience, you can participate in the Brigid Symbols and Customs Workshop at An Táin Arts Centre on Jan. 31st from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn to weave the iconic Brigid’s cross and the “Crios Brid” (Brigid’s belt), ancient symbols of the legendary figure. Materials will be provided.
Roscommon – Brigid’s Awakening Festival
Among the events happening at this recently created Brigid festival at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre is a two-lecture seminar on Jan. 31st.
Titled Reviving the Óenach: Imbolc – St. Brigid’s Day Festival, it explores Brigid’s legacy and is later followed by a new art exhibition examining her Iron Age origins from Frenchpark artist Natalie Folan titled “Maiden, Mother, Saint.”
Purchase tickets here.
Sligo – Bríd Festival
A whole host of events are taking place in Sligo as the town launches its Bríd Festival 2026, which will take place between Jan. 30th and Feb 1st.
Activities this year include a drop-in Make Your Own St. Brigid’s Cross workshop at The Model on Jan. 30th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a St. Brigid Supper at the Yeats Society Sligo building in the center of town on Jan. 31st between 6:30 and 8 p.m. (no booking required), the opening of an exhibition of work inspired by Brigid at the Hyde Bridge Gallery on Jan. 31st at 5 p.m., and much more.
Tipperary – St. Brigid’s Cross Making Workshop
Celebrate St. Brigid’s Day by signing up for a St. Brigid’s cross making workshop to take place Jan. 31st at 2 p.m. at the Nenagh Arts Centre.
The hands-on session will introduce you to the history and symbolism of the St. Brigid’s cross while also guiding you through the process of making these beautiful keepsakes.
Tickets are €20 per person.
Armagh – Imbolc Festival – Ring of Gullion
Enjoy a variety of workshops that focus on Brigid in both her saintly role and in the pre-Christian traditions that are connected to her.
Activities/events will take place between Jan. 28th and Feb. 8th and include cross making, singing, writing and heritage crafts, as well as an Imbolc Fire Circle ceremony on Jan. 30th.
Find out more at the Ring of Gullion website.
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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.