The first official bank holiday weekend dedicated to Ireland’s female patron saint St Brigid will be celebrated with all kinds of events, both in Dublin and all around Ireland.
In Co Kildare, just a short ride away from Dublin, there will be fire and light shows, concerts, literary events, walks and more – the main aim of the programme being to create a meaningful cultural and societal legacy that appeals to everyone. The 2023 programme will set the scene for 2024, which marks the 1,500th anniversary of the death of St Brigid.
“‘Brigid 1500’ will engage communities with the story and heritage of St Brigid, providing a tangible connection with the past, through events and programmes that have an ongoing meaning and relevance,” said Kildare County Council.
Read more: EPIC museum hosts family friendly events for St Brigid's Day
“The programme will engage with the values St Brigid championed including faith and spirituality, biodiversity and sustainability, arts and culture, social justice, peace, hospitality and education.”
Here are some of the most exciting events of the festival:
Herstory Light Show
What: Iconic sites and buildings across Kildare will be lit up with an array of stunning light illustrations depicting St Brigid and her legacy.
When: Wednesday 1st February 2023
Where: Potato Market, Naas, 5.30pm – 9pm
Nothing Compares: A Celebration of Irish Women Artists’
What: A night of extraordinary music and literature by Irish women including Imelda May, Eleanor McEvoy, Tolu Makey, Susan O’Neill, Mary Stokes, Megan O’Neill and Gemma Dunleavy
When: Wednesday 1st February
Where: Various locations as follows:
Concert in the Moat Theatre, Naas at 8pm
Pop-up food market and additional musical performances in The Potato Market, Naas at 6pm
Screening of Nothing Compares at 7pm, the critically lauded documentary directed by Kathryn Ferguson, in St. David’s Church, Naas (just across the road from the Moat Theatre). Kathryn Ferguson will participate in a Q&A, conducted by Hot Press film editor Roe McDermott. There will also be a special performance of Sinead O’Connor songs by the rising Kildare singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill and by Mary Stokes.
Carrying Her Flame
What: A feast of lanterns, procession, and fire performance to kindle Brigid’s flame, light up the town and mark the changing seasons performed by LUXE.
When: Saturday 4th February at 6pm
Where: Main Square, Kildare Town. LUXE will bring flame from the top of Kildare Town and spread light around the square before bringing the audience on a processional journey to a fiery finale.
A Concert for Brigid 1500
What: A Concert for Brigid 1500 featuring renowned Irish Soprano Eimear Quinn
When: Sunday 5th February at 7pm
Where: St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare Town
For full details of Brigid 1500 and the programme of events, visit their official website .
Do you have any exciting plans for the newest Bank Holiday weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
Read next:
Man arrested as part of 13 year murder investigation of Paul 'Frank' Byrne
Paperchase on brink of collapse with future of Dublin locations in doubt
Conor McGregor 'hit by a car while cycling - then got a lift home with driver'
Dee Devlin shows support for Conor McGregor after Spain attack claim
To get the latest news to your inbox, sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter.
