Celebrate St. Brigid's feast day this year at the place of her birth in Faughart, County Louth.
As St. Brigid's Day approaches on the 1st of February, the birthplace of Ireland’s beloved matron saint invites visitors to celebrate this special occasion and immerse themselves in the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes that make Louth a must-visit destination.
Discover the Legacy of St. Brigid
Born at sunrise on the 1st of February 452 in Faughart, just outside Dundalk, St. Brigid’s story is deeply woven into the fabric of Louth’s history. Her life, marked by healing, fertility, poetry, and care for the land, is beautifully linked to the Celtic Goddess Brigid, embodying wisdom and rebirth. Growing up on her father’s farm in Faughart she developed a profound respect for nature and the world around her. St. Brigid’s Day has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marked fertility, the arrival of spring, renewal, and light.
Visitors can embark on a spiritual journey to the ancient site of Faughart, home to St. Brigid’s Shrine and Well, a place of pilgrimage for centuries. In 1934, Cardinal Mac Rory declared Faughart the National Shrine of St. Brigid for all of Ireland, cementing its significance as a site of tranquil beauty and reflection. The Shrine is home to Sruth Bhríde (St. Brigid’s Stream), modern and ancient Stations of the Cross, and healing stones revered for their sacred powers.
Adding a modern touch to this ancient legacy, visual artist Friz has depicted Brigid as both Goddess and Saint in a striking mural created for the SEEK Urban Arts Festival in Dundalk. This artwork bridges Brigid’s ancient heritage with Louth’s vibrant modern culture.
Events to Celebrate St. Brigid’s Day
A variety of events are planned across Louth to honour St. Brigid’s enduring legacy:
The Northern Lights Celebrating Brigid at Market Square, Dundalk Town Centre
Live Shows 1st and 2nd February between 6pm-7pm and running until Friday, 28 February 2025.
Northern Lights celebrating St. Brigid. Photo: Mark Duffy
The Northern Lights multisensory light show will illuminate Dundalk’s Market Square in celebration of St. Brigid. This breathtaking display, choreographed to music, intertwines historical, cultural, and spiritual elements with cutting-edge technology. The installation will be illuminated daily (without audio) 11am to midnight for the month of February.
Faughart Candlelit Procession Celebrating Brigid - Sunday 2nd February - 6.30pm
On Sunday 2nd of February, the Faughart Community Group will host an ancient-style candlelit procession starting at St. Brigid’s Shrine and concluding at Faughart Graveyard. Open to people of all faiths and none, the procession is led by robed figures, a lone drummer, and local schoolchildren. It culminates at the Hill of Faughart with a fire-lit motte, candlelit ruins, and Gregorian chant, honouring Brigid’s connection to County Louth and her legacy as a Celtic Goddess and Ireland’s matron saint.
St. Brigid's Shrine. Photo: Tourism Ireland
Brigid of Faughart Festival:
The Brigid of Faughart Festival 2025 celebrates Brigid of Faughart as Ireland’s matron Saint and pre-Christian Celtic Goddess and her birthplace of Faughart, where the story of Saint Brigid began.
Read more
Pilgrimage Walk - Sunday 2nd February - 10am-2.00pm
This year’s pilgrimage invites participants to walk the Day 1 route of the Brigid's Way Celtic Pilgrimage. The journey begins at St. Brigid’s Holy Well on the Hill of Faughart and continues through St. Brigid’s Shrine, Kilcurry, Toberona, and the Lisnawilly Estate, concluding at Brigid’s Stream in Dundalk.
Highlights include:
• Rituals such as a Brigid Water Blessing
• Storytelling of Brigid’s myths and legends
• Historical insights into Ireland's Ancient East
Contribution: €25 (supports the upkeep of Brigid's Way Pilgrimage & Festival)
Fitness: Moderate level required.
Preparations: Participants should bring a packed lunch and water bottle.
Tour of Faughart Sacred Sites with Roisin Cotter (1km) - Monday 3rd February- 11.00am -1.00pm
Faughart Old Graveyard. Photo: Tourism Ireland
Join Roisin Cotter for a guided tour of Faughart’s sacred sites, starting at Faughart Old Graveyard/Hill of Faughart car park. The 1km walk concludes at St. Brigid's Shrine.
Preparations: Walking boots and warm clothing are recommended.
Donation: €10 or more appreciated.
Brigid Symbols and Customs Workshop - 1st February - 11:00 am - An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk.
Tickets €10 (+€1.50 Booking Fee Per Ticket)
Learn to weave the iconic Brigid’s Cross and the Crios Bríd, (Brigid’s belt), ancient symbols of Brigid and share stories of Saint Brigid’s days past. All ages welcome. With Roisin Cotter and Maura Lennon. All materials provided.
Community-Led Celebrations
Local groups like Cooley Connect Well will host Imbolc celebrations featuring traditional crafts, storytelling, foraging, and guided walks, providing opportunities to reconnect with the natural and cultural heritage that Brigid symbolises.
Brigid’s Trail Map & Guide
For those seeking to explore Brigid’s legacy, Brigid’s Trail Map & Guide highlights key sites, including the ‘Brigid of Faughart’ mural in Dundalk, St. Brigid’s Shrine and Holy Well in Faughart.
Plan Your Visit
St. Brigid’s Day, now a public holiday celebrated annually on the first Monday in February, is the perfect time to explore Louth, the birthplace of Ireland’s beloved saint. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual retreat, an outdoor adventure, or a journey through rich cultural heritage, Louth has something for everyone.
Discover the county's vibrant history, stunning landscapes, and connections to the life of St. Brigid, and experience why Louth is one of Ireland's most enchanting destinations.
For more information on events and activities, visit www.visitlouth.ie.
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