Kildare Library Service

By Kildare County Council Communications Team

Kildare County Council is delighted to be supporting the delivery of many events across the county on 1^st February to commemorate the life and legacy of St Brigid, and mark Imbolc, the ancient festival of Spring.  There are many aspects of the life and travels of St Brigid that connect her to Kildare.  As an important figure in our history, her name and legacy are ever present in Kildare.

The Herstory Light Show by Dodeca will illuminate local landmarks with art of Brigid and Irish goddesses by artists Bernie Sexton, Non Waters, Courtney Davis and Jim Fitzpatrick. 

“Kildare County Council, with Kildare’s Creative Ireland team and Decade of Commemorations Committee, are delighted to collaborate with Herstory to illuminate landmark sites countywide on February 1st, after dark,” said Lucina Russell, Kildare County Council Arts Officer

She added; “This project is centred around St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare Town, which is synonymous with Brigid, as well as The Wonderful Barn in Leixlip and Kilkea Castle near Athy. The illuminations, with artistic representations of Brigid, will literally shine a light on the life and legend of this amazing woman.” 

KILDARE LIGHT SHOW PROGRAMME

All events are free and open to the public

5.30 – 6.30: Light Show @ Kilkea Castle

7.15 – 8.45: Filming inside and Light Show @ St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare Town

9.30 – 10.30:  Light Show @ Newbridge Town Hall

11.30 – 00.00: light show @ Wonderful Barn, Leixlip 

Elsewhere, The Hill of Allen will be illuminated on the eve of St Brigid’s Day to Light Up Kildare. Into Kildare are inviting communities and families to join in by lighting a candle on the eve of St Brigid’s Day, to welcome the spring and as a symbol of light for the year ahead. Candles can be collected from libraries around Kildare. For more information on events taking place for St Brigid’s Day, and to view the lighting of the Hill of Allen, visit www.intokildare.ie

Kildare County Council was delighted to welcome the recent designation of a new permanent public holiday from next year in celebration of St Brigid’s day, and the season of Imbolc. Kildare town and its immediate environs are the spiritual home of St Brigid, and Kildare County Council will plan events to commemorate her life and legacy as we approach the 1500^th anniversary of her death in 2024. 

To learn how to make a St. Brigid’s cross there are some excellent instructions here from Aoife in Wicklow Willow