‘Brigid’ by Dee McKernan lights up St Brigid’s Cathedral in County Kildare at the 2020 Herstory event.Provided by Herstory
Following a successful campaign to make Brigid’s Day a new holiday in Ireland, Herstory has announced a program of events to mark this year’s holiday with a range of creative collaborations.
Herstory’s theme for St. Bridget’s Day 2024 is the old Irish proverb: “There’s room for everyone under Bridget’s cloak.”
In these times of division, St. Brigid calls us to remember our true humanity and brings a message of inclusion, harmony, and healing.
Herstory says it is delighted to be joining forces with Kildare County Council, Creative Ireland and Dodeca for this year’s Brigid 1500 Festival, which celebrates St Brigid’s 1500th anniversary.
Kildare St. Brigid’s Day Program
The Herstory Light Show will illuminate local iconic landmarks across Kildare on January 31st and February 1st with stunning new art inspired by St Brigid and performances by fire dancers.
The Kildare Light Show will feature new art from Herstory’s open call, inspired by the wisdom and stories of St Brigid. This year we received amazing art from Ireland, Northern Ireland, the US, Canada, Germany and the UK.
Wicklow Willow will also be running Brigid Crossmaking and Brat Bride workshops for families in Newbridge and Crane. You can also apply for evening workshops.
St Brigid’s Eve Events in County Kildare – January 31st
(All events are free and open to the public)
newbridge town hall
- 5:30 – 9pm – Herstory Light Show
- 5:30 – 5:50pm – Fire dancer performance
- 5:50pm – 6:35pm – Wicklow Willow Workshop
- 6 – 6:30pm – Newbridge Gospel Choir
Crane Abbey
- 6pm to 7:30pm – Herstory Light Show
- 6:30 – 7pm – Crane Music Society
- 7:00pm – 7:20pm – Fire dancer performance
- 7:40pm – 8:25pm – Wicklow Willow Workshop
athy library
- 9pm to 10:30pm – Herstory Light Show
- 9pm to 9:20pm – Fire dancer performance
St Brigid’s Day events in County Kildare – February 1st
Naas potato market
- 5:30pm – 8:15pm – Herstory Light Show
- 7pm to 7:30pm: Fire dancer performance
New Naas Library (formerly Naas Town Hall)
- 9pm to 10:30pm – Herstory Light Show
Dodeka will continue its Herstory Illuminations at South William Street (Grogan’s) and Capel Street (opposite Panty Bar) in Dublin city center from 5pm to 4am every night throughout February.
Co Clare’s Herstory Light Show
On Saturday 3 February, Illumination will travel west to shine a spotlight on Clare’s artistic talent on a tour across the county in partnership with Clare County Council, Dodeka and Creative Ireland.
Siobhan Mulcahy, Clare Arts Officer, said: “Artists have a magical way of creating meaningful work that brings light to communities and individuals.
“Herstory is working with artists across County Clare to brighten the skies of Doolin, Ennistymon and Bunratty as we welcome spring and recognize the many strengths of women throughout history.
“Clare Arts Office, with support from Creative Ireland, is proud to have commissioned Herstory Educational Trust to create this wonderful piece of art for St Brigid’s Day.”
St Brigid’s Events in Co Clare – February 3rd
(All events are free and open to the public)
- 5:30pm – 6:30pm: Dunagore Castle, Doolin
- 7:30pm – 8:30pm: HUSH Silent Disco by Jilly Kelly Dunn, Falls Hotel, Ennistymon
- 10-11pm: Bunratty Castle
Meanwhile, Herstory Education Trust commissioned Clare’s talented photographer Miriam Leanne and conceptual artist Áine O’Brien to create new photographic art inspired by the Celtic goddesses Brigid and Caireach.
“We call on all women to rise from the ashes of old Ireland and join us in the noble quest to command power and sovereignty. Introducing ‘Brigid Rising’ and ‘Calling in the Cailleach.’
The artists said: “Collaborating with Herstory has proven to be an enriching and empowering experience for both of us.
“As we work to create works of art that address the essence of Irish womanhood, it is truly gratifying to see the respect being paid to St. Brigid as our patron deity.
“Through a process of deep introspection and capturing the presence of our ancestors, we worked together to bring Brigid and The Kaireach to life.
“We rise with a deep desire to inspire truth.”
The Herstory Light Show will also spotlight award-winning Co. Clare-based documentary filmmaker Dearbhla Glynn, who embodies Brigid’s qualities as a champion of human rights and women’s empowerment.
Meanwhile, acclaimed local musician Susan Quirke and Enda Gallery have co-written and co-produced a new song ‘Ó a Bhríd’ in the hills of Kilfenora, County Clare.
The illumination will also feature Susan’s powerful song ‘Home’ and Enda’s collaboration with Tolu Makaj, ‘The Greatest Gift’, both of which celebrate our true humanity and Irish hospitality, community and inclusion. It is a timely call to remember the spirit of.
At the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, local legend Gilly Kelly Dunn invites you to a hash disco. At Hush Disco, each participant puts on their own headset and enjoys an immersive listening and dancing experience as they respond to Goddess-inspired music.
Creative Director Melanie Lynch said: “Ireland continues to catch up with the visionary St. Brigid in many ways, even 1,500 years after she lived.
“Our collaborating artists embody Brigid’s qualities as an activist with rare authenticity and a unique voice to amplify human rights, climate action and ancient Irish wisdom through their artistic work.
“I am in awe of Claire’s creative talent and infectious spirit of collaboration and community.”
For more information, visit Herstory.ie.