"Brigid" by Dee McKiernan illuminating St. Brigid’s Cathedral in Co Kildare for the 2020 Herstory events.Courtesy of Herstory
Herstory, which ran the successful campaign to make Brigid’s Day Ireland’s new national holiday, has unveiled its programme events to mark the holiday this year with various creative collaborations.
Herstory's theme for St. Brigid's Day 2024 is the Old Irish saying "There’s room for everyone under Brigid’s cloak."
In these divisive times, St. Brigid calls us to remember our true humanity, bringing a message of inclusion, harmony, and healing.
Herstory says it is delighted to partner with Kildare County Council, Creative Ireland, and Dodeca for the Brigid 1500 Festival this year, in celebration of St. Brigid’s 1500 year anniversary.
Kildare St. Brigid's Day Programme
Herstory Light Shows will illuminate iconic local landmarks across Kildare with spectacular new art inspired by St. Brigid and performances by fire dancers on January 31 and February 1.
The Kildare light shows will feature new art from Herstory’s open call inspired by St. Brigid’s wisdom and story. This year, stunning art was sent from Ireland, Northern Ireland, the US, Canada, Germany, and Great Britain.
Wicklow Willow will also host family-friendly Brigid Cross-making and Brat Bhride workshops in Newbridge and Clane. You can sign up for the workshops on the night.
St. Brigid's Eve events in Co Kildare - January 31
(All events are free and open to the public)
Newbridge Town Hall
- 5:30 - 9 pm – Herstory Light Show
- 5:30 - 5:50pm - Fire-dancers performance
- 5:50 - 6:35pm - Wicklow Willow Workshop
- 6 - 6:30pm - Newbridge Gospel Choir
The Abbey in Clane
- 6 - 7:30 pm - Herstory Light Show
- 6:30 - 7 pm - Clane Musical Society
- 7:00 - 7:20 pm - Fire-dancers performance
- 7:40 - 8:25 pm - Wicklow Willow Workshop
Athy Library
- 9 - 10:30 pm - Herstory Light Show
- 9 - 9:20 pm - Fire-dancers performance
St. Brigid's Day events in Co Kildare - February 1
Potato Market, Naas
- 5:30 - 8:15 pm - Herstory Light Show
- 7 - 7:30 pm: Fire-dancers performance
New Naas Library (Old Naas Town Hall)
- 9 - 10:30 pm - Herstory Light Show
Dodeca will continue the Herstory illuminations in Dublin every night from 5 pm - 4 am throughout the month of February at South William St (Grogan’s) and Capel St (Opposite Panti Bar) in the city centre.
Herstory Light Show in Co Clare
On Saturday, February 3, the illuminations will journey west, spotlighting Clare artistic talent on a tour across the county in partnership with Clare County Council, Dodeca, and Creative Ireland.
Clare Arts Officer Siobhán Mulcahy, says: “Artists have a magical way of creating works of meaning that can bring light to communities and individuals.
"Herstory, working with Clare artists, will light up the skies in Doolin, Ennistymon, and Bunratty as we welcome Springtime and recognise the many strengths of women throughout history.
"Clare Arts Office is proud to have commissioned the Herstory Education Trust to produce this spectacular artwork for St. Brigid’s Day, with the support of Creative Ireland.”
St Brigid's events in Co Clare - February 3
(All events are free and open to the public)
- 5:30 - 6:30 pm: Doonagore Castle, Doolin
- 7:30 - 8:30 pm: Falls Hotel, Ennistymon with HUSH silent disco by Gilly Kelly Dunne
- 10 - 11 pm: Bunratty Castle
Meanwhile, the Herstory Education Trust commissioned the talented Clare duo photographer Myriam Riand and conceptual artist Áine O’ Brien to create new photographic art inspired by Celtic goddesses Brigid and the Cailleach:
“Rising from the ashes of old Ireland and calling all women to join us in our noble quest of commanding our power and sovereignty. We present ‘Brigid Rising’ and ‘Calling in the Cailleach”
The artists say: “Collaborating with Herstory has proven to be an enriching and empowering experience for both of us.
"As we engage in the creation of our art, which addresses the essence of Irish women, it becomes truly gratifying to witness the homage paid to St. Brigid as our matron deity.
"Through a process of profound ancestral introspection and capturing of presence, we collaboratively brought to life Brigid and The Cailleach.
"We rise with the depths of our desire to inspire truth.”
The Herstory Light Show will also spotlight award-winning Clare-based documentary filmmaker Dearbhla Glynn, who embodies Brigid's qualities as a champion for human rights and women's empowerment.
Meanwhile, acclaimed local musicians Susan Quirke and Enda Gallery co-wrote and co-produced a new song "Ó a Bhríd" together in the hills of Kilfenora, Co Clare.
The illuminations will also showcase Susan’s powerful song "Home" and Enda’s collaboration with Tolü Makay in "The Greatest Gift," both timely calls to remember our true humanity and the Irish spirit of hospitality, community, and inclusion.
At the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, local legend Gilly Kelly Dunne invites you to Hush Disco, an immersive listening and dancing experience where each participant wears their own headset whilst responding to music inspired by the Goddess.
Creative Director Melanie Lynch says: “In many ways, Ireland is still catching up with the visionary Saint Brigid, 1500 years after she lived.
"Our collaborating artists embody Brigid’s qualities as activists who possess a rare authenticity and original voice in amplifying human rights, climate action, and ancient Irish wisdom through their artistic creations.
"I’m in awe of the creative talent in Clare and the infectious spirit for collaboration and community.”
For more details, visit Herstory.ie.