To some she’s St Brigid of Kildare, founder of Ireland’s first convent, lauded for her cross of rushes, her healing wells and sacred flames, and of course, her miraculous cloak. To others, she’s a triple-gifted pagan goddess of healing, fire and poetry and a potent symbol of feminine power.

Whatever Brigid means to you, there are a host of events taking place around the country, and in her home county of Kildare, across St Brigid’s Day (February 1st) and the bank holiday weekend (February 4th-6th).

Traditional St Brigid’s Cross

The Book of Kildare Exhibition, Kildare | 24th January – 28th February

Since 2016, artist and calligrapher Josephine Hardiman has been recreating and reinterpreting the Book of Kildare using her vast artistic talents. Taking the viewer on a journey through Kildare’s rich heritage, place names, history, topography, and people, this work of calligraphy and illuminations is inspired by writings on the lost Book of Kildare by the 12th-century scribe, Gerald of Wales. 

Visit the exhibition at Kildare Library to view some of the ornate pages on display. The completed book will be published next year to celebrate St Brigid’s Day 2024. 

During the exhibition’s run, workshops in calligraphy will also be held for visiting groups of all ages.

Find out more: brigid1500.ie and explore all of County Kildare’s St Brigid’s Day events here

Josephine Hardiman’s Book of Kildare

Brigid’s Awakening Festival, Roscommon | 28th January – 5th February

County Roscommon is celebrating women in all their glory this February with the Brigid’s Awakening Festival. On St Brigid’s Day itself, Tarmonbarry Bridge plays host to the installation ceremony of Ireland’s largest Illuminated Brigid’s cross. 

Over the weekend, Rathcroghan Visitor Centre and Strokestown Park will host talks on topics like female divinity in early Ireland and Irish customs and folk rituals, as well as candlelit storytelling sessions that are sure to delight all ages.

Find out more: strokestownpark.ie

‘Herself’ public projection, Galway | 4th February

An impressive large-scale public projection project taking place in the centre of Gort on Saturday 4th February, artists Shona MacGillivray and Jill Beardsworth, in collaboration with local community groups, identify women whose lives and work embody the unique qualities synonymous with Brigid. 

Nurturing, protecting, growing, healing and listening, ‘Herself’ illuminates the women who work quietly in the background and make our world a better place.

See these arresting images projected at dusk on the neoclassical courthouse building in Gort town square. 

Find out more: Herself

Poetry at the LexIcon, Dún Laoghaire | 6th February

In celebration of St Brigid’s Day 2023, Poetry at the LexIcon, Dún Laoghaire will welcome three Irish poets – Tara Bergin, Dawn Watson and Grace Wells – whose varied and vibrant work is central to women’s writing today. 

The three poets and host, poet Rosamund Taylor, will explore the many ways to inhabit contemporary womanhood, and discuss the echoes of complex Irish women, such as St Brigid, throughout our history. This event will include poetry readings and discussions of history, nature and how the past imprints onto the present.

Find out more: libraries.dlrcoco.ie

Herstory light projection 2022 | Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie