Kildare tourism has called on individuals worldwide to observe a one-minute pause for peace at 12 noon local time on 1 February 2026, St Brigid’s Day.
The initiative invites reflection, unity, and hope to oppose warfare and arms proliferation. Launched in 2023 by Into Kildare Kildare Tourism and Solas Bhríde, the movement marks the national holiday honouring St Brigid as a peacemaker. Legends highlight her compassion, such as giving away a sword for food. The pause begins in New Zealand and rolls across continents as a global moment of silence.
Peace ambassadors from Kildare schools promote the event, with support from local authority, Irish embassies, parliament members, and former President Michael D. Higgins. The initiative has grown in national and international backing since its start. It aligns with St Brigid’s legacy of compassion, community, and nature protection. Participants can join from anywhere at midday local time. Further details are available on related websites.
Áine Mangan shared “The new bank holiday is an opportunity for the Irish public to follow in the footsteps of St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s three patron saints. There is massive interest in Brigid from a cultural, spiritual, and historical point of view. She isn’t solely a religious figure but is synonymous as a peacemaker and was in fact the first real climate activist as she was a protector and a custodian of the natural world.”
Michael D. Higgins shared “Your efforts to bring together communities from across the globe in the name of Naomh Bríd (St. Brigid) is truly admirable. Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann (President of Ireland) may I thank you for this initiative which constitutes a form of active global citizenship at its best.”
