The Saint Brigid 2025 – Spirit of Kildare Festival runs until February 3rd, 2025, will attract 100,000 visitors to County Kildare with events celebrating St. Brigid’s legacy, including concerts, community activities, and family-friendly programmes.
Today’s events include:
- Bealtaine – Foraging for Brigid’s Herbs,10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Growing Wild @ Littlewood, Donadea, Explore and identify seasonal plants, learning their uses in folklore, cooking, medicine, and natural dyes. The day includes foraging spring greens like nettle, cleavers, and wild garlic, with food sharing by a fire, Adult-only event.
- Dance the Dance of God’s Own Blessed Bríd, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, Solas Bhride Spirituality Centre, Presented by Terry Hennessy, Betty White, €15.00 (includes tea/coffee), Celebrate Brigid’s story and values through circle dance. All welcome, no previous experience needed.
- “Saint Brigit and The Ox Way” 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Solas Bhride Spirituality Centre, Kate Moore, International composer and musician, €10.00 (includes tea/coffee, sponsored event), Experience a performance featuring poetry, storytelling, and music reflecting Kate Moore’s love for nature and St. Brigid.
- St. Brigid’s Cross Craft Workshop (Ages 7-10) at Maynooth Library, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Maynooth Community Library, Main Street, Maynooth, Presented by Sheena Malone, Learn to make St. Brigid’s crosses and Bridóg dolls. Older participants will use traditional rushes, while younger ones will use colorful pipe-cleaners. All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
The festival commenced with the Procession of Light in Maynooth on January 30th, and a screening of Herself at St. David’s Church, Naas on January 31st. See full programme HERE.
The festival features performances by Sharon Shannon, Lyra, and Irish Women in Harmony at the Brigid’s Day Gathering and an aerial dance show by Fidget Feet in Kildare town on February 2nd.
The festival concludes with Songs on a Boat: The Tiny Deck Concert in Sallins, offering free public events and ticketed performances curated with Hot Press. Details at www.spiritofbrigid.ie
The Cloak in the Night Sky in Kildare Town on Sunday night was a collaborative effort involving Fidget Feet and Ceol Connected with aerial performances, spectacular special effects and soul-stirring live traditional Irish music to celebrate Saint Brigid’s weekend.
