Things to do in Kildare town to celebrate St Brigid
Kildare Town Heritage Centre
In the Heritage Centre
- Call into Kildare Town Heritage Centre to find out more about St Brigid , Kildare town and surrounding areas - Open Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5pm.
- Pick up a Heritage Trail Map, A Saint Brigid's trail map or an Acorn Trail
- Do an Audio Trail : St Brigids Trail click here for map and information.
- Take a tour of Kildare town and surrounding areas on Kildare Monastic Trail click the link for a Free Audio Guide
- 'Legends of Kildare' - A Magical Virtual Reality Adventure -
Explore the stories of the legendary figures who shaped the county, including the Brigid the Saint the famous warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill and Brigid the goddess.
One of the best things about Legends of Kildare is that it's accessible to people of all ages.
Online booking is highly recommended or call us to book your place today on 045 530 672. To read testimonials get more information and booking click here.
Events on the Market Square
St Brigid's Day Wednesday 1st February
St Brigid's Day Plant give away - from 11.00 - 1.00pm we will be giving away some spring plants, one plant per person please.
Saturday 4th February
Plant giveaway and seed swap in association with Kildare Community Garden from 11.00 - 1.00pm . Spring into action and collect up some of your seeds and plants then come in and exchange them in the Market Square in front of the Heritage Centre.
A great way to find new seeds meet fellow gardeners and pick up some tips and tricks.
FREE event !
Guided Walking Tours
Book in to one of our guided walking tours and explore Kildare's rich heritage.
Saturday 4th
11.00 am - Adults and Group - Saint Brigid's Monastic Site /Three Abbeys
12.30pm Acorn Trial for Families , suitable for children but must be accompanied by and adult
Sunday 5th ( Restricted access to Cathedral )
11.00 am - Adults and Group - Kildare Town / Three Abbeys
12.30pm Acorn Trial for Families , suitable for children but must be accompanied by and adult
Monday 6th
11.00 am - Adults and Group - Saint Brigid' Monastic Site / The Three Abbeys
12.30pm Acorn Trial for Families , suitable for children but must be accompanied by and adult
All tours are FREE and are sponsored by Brigid 1500 and Kildare County Council
Booking in advanced is strongly advised - contact us on 045 530 672 or email info@kildareheritage.com
Saint Brigid's Cathedral
- Visit St Brigid's Cathedral
Opening Times :
Monday January 30th 11:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday 31st January 11:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday 1st February 11:00am - 4:00pm ( Special Service at 11:00am by Rev Philip Mc Kinley)
Thursday 2nd 11:00 am - 4:00pm
Friday 3rd 11:00am - 4:00pm ( Subject to change please see our facebook page for updates)
Saturday 4th February 11:00 am - 4:00pm
Sunday 5th February Closed
Monday 6th February 11.00am - 4.00pm
THESE OPENING TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PLEASE GET IN TOUCH AND BOOK YOUR VISIT IN ADVANCE TO AVOID DISSAPPOINTMENT
CALL 045 530 672 OR EMAIL info@kildareheritage.com
Saint Brigid's Parish Church
- Spend some time at St Brigids Parish Church .
Ecumenical Service - Wednesday, 1st February
Ecumenical Service at 7pm in St Brigid’s Parish Church in Kildare Town.
Solas Bríde Centre
- Discover where the perpetual flame now burns in the Solas Bríde Centre
- Join us for a candlelight pilgrimage on St. Brigid’s eve and the threshold of spring. Assemble at the Japanese Gardens car park from 7.20 p.m. Car parking facilities are available at Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre and the Japanese Gardens.
- For a full list of events in the Solas Bhríde Centre click here to vist their event page.
Kildare Town Library
Féile Bríde Art Exhibition - THE BOOK OF KILDARE by Josephine Hardiman.
The Book of Kildare is a project which began in 2016, with local artist and calligrapher, Josephine Hardiman recreating the Book of Kildare using her own interpretation and artistic talents. New and current pages will be on display in the library. It will be completed and published to celebrate Brigid 1500 in 2024.
From Tuesday 24th January to end February 2023.
No booking required.
Have you heard about the Legends of Kildare virtual reality experience? If not, you're in for a treat! This immersive and interactive VR experience takes you on a journey through the rich history and culture of County Kildare, Ireland.
Enquiries to Kildare Library: Phone 045 520235 or email kildarelib@kildarecoco.ie.
St. Brigid’s Cross workshops with Beth Murphy of Willow Wonder
Saturday 28th January 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Come along and make your own St Brigid’s Cross under the expert eye of Beth and Kildare Town Library staff.
No booking required – places allocated in the library throughout the morning.
Saint Brigid's Well
- Visit St Brigid's Well, for directions call into the heritage centre for your free map or click here for a link on google maps.
- PLEASE NOTE - Saint Brigid's Well is undergoing maintanence the gorund may be water logged so make sure to wear waterproof footwear when visiting.
Sult Gallery Exhibition
SULT Artists are delighted to invite you to the official opening of Brigid Unfolding,an exhibition of paintings, glasswork, prints and sculpture at No.8 Gallery. Academy St., Kildare town, R51NW42, on Tuesday 31st January, 5.00pm - 7.00pm
Invited special guest artists include Mir Fitzgerald, Angelina Foster, Karen Hickey, Hilary Kinahan, Vera McEvoy, Bríd Óg Norrby, Bríd Ní Rinn.
SULT Artists: Ann McKenna, Liza Kavanagh, Mary McGrath, Eleanor Swan, Pamela de Brí, Sylvia Hemmingway, Margaret Becker, Brian O'Loughlin
Brigid Unfolding is a thought- provoking exhibition celebrating the life and lore of Brigid of Kildare. We would be delighted if you could join us for light refreshments from 5pm-7pm
The exhibition will continue until 28th February.
This exhibition is SULT Artist’s inaugural event as part of the programme of events announced for Brigid 1500celebrations.
Events
To celebrate St Brigid's Festival if you are running any events for the festival please let us know and we can add them to our events list.
Online features to enjoy
Celebrating St Brigid through music, local musicians and artist created this short video latwo years ago .
Enjoy some Brigid Related Stories read by local Kildare Children.
Brigid 1500 Events and Information
For all information on events and activites related to Saint Brigid throught Kildare please visit the official Brigid 1500 website. Below is a listing on their events page some details will be updated as soon as we have more information.
Click here to visit the offical site homepage.
The Brigid 1500 Calendar of Events for 2023
Lighting Up Kildare – Tuesday, 31st January and Wednesday, 1st February
Illuminations depicting St Brigid and her legacy and Light Beams at key locations across Kildare.
More details coming soon.
Light & Fire Walk - Saturday, 4th February
Light & Fire Walk in Kildare Town, starting at 6pm from The Main Square in Kildare Town and lasting approximately one hour. This powerful and emotive walk is a public event for all to enjoy. Please arrive early and dress for the weather. A traffic management system and road closures will be in place.
Eimear Quinn Concert Celebrating Brigid 1500- Sunday, 5th February
Eimear Quinn in concert at St Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare Town at 7pm.
Details of ticket sales coming soon.
School Planting Day across Kildare National Schools – Tuesday, 31st January
As part of Brigid 1500, Kildare County Council is sending cross-pollinating apple trees to participating schools across the county to plant on the eve of St Brigid’s Day on Tuesday, 31st January. Please contact brigid1500@kildarecoco.ie if your school wishes to get involved.
Other Events Include:
Féile Bríde Week
Throughout the first week of February, the public can view the reimagined Brigid pages from the lost Book of Kildare at Solas Bhríde. The artwork has been created by local Artist and Calligrapher Josephine Hardiman. No booking necessary. Solas Bhríde is open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm and by appointment on Saturdays.
Open Mic Night celebrating Féile Bríde - Monday 30th January 7.00pm
A collaborative literary event between Seanchaí Book Shop and Kildare Town Library, celebrating local poets, writers and artists who find inspiration in the symbols, customs and folklore surrounding Brigid.
No booking required
Please arrive early to Seanchaí Book Shop, Claregate Street, Kildare Town R51 PA40
Candlelight Pilgrimage - Tuesday, 31st January 7.20pm
Candlelight Pilgrimage from The Irish National Stud Carpark at 7.20pm (no pre-booking required). This magical walk starts at The Irish National Stud, located outside of Kildare Town and makes it way past St. Brigid’s Wayside Well where there will be a short ritual, continuing mindfully and concluding with a closing ritual at St. Brigid’s Garden Well. The walk will conclude at approximately 9pm. Walkers are advised to dress for the weather and bring a torch or lantern to accompany them on the pilgrimage.
GAA 6th Class Blitz – Wednesday, 1st February 2023
Brigid 1500 has teamed up with the GAA to create this special one-day blitz for 6th class pupils across Kildare.
Cross Weaving Workshop - Wednesday, 1st February
A cross weaving workshop takes place at 10am at Solas Bhríde in Kildare Town. Learn the craft of weaving a St Brigid’s Cross from the experts. This workshop lasts approximately 1 and a half hours and is bookable at www.solasbhride.ie.
Brigid 1500 Pause for Peace - Wednesday, 1st February 12 midday
Brigid 1500 Pause for Peace across the world at 12 midday, starting in Australia and rolling around the globe.
St. Brigid of Kildare and the abbesses who succeeded her were renowned as peacemakers in early Ireland. We invite you to join with us in a Pause for Peace wherever you are.
Customs and Traditions Associated with St Brigid - Wednesday, 1st February
Customs and Traditions Associated with St Brigid takes place at Solas Bhríde from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
This event takes the audience through some of the customs and traditions, where you will discover the spirit of St Brigid and her relationship with our ancestors through story, music, poetry, and creative activity.
This event runs from 2.30pm – 4.30pm at Solas Bhríde in Kildare Town and costs €15 pp. Book your ticket now at www.solasbhride.ie.
Ecumenical Service - Wednesday, 1st February
Ecumenical Service at 7pm in St Brigid’s Parish Church in Kildare Town.
Afri Conference - Saturday, 4th February
Afri Peace Conference at Solas Bhríde. Tickets are bookable at www.afri.ie.
Library Events
Library events will take place across Kildare, including talks, craft workshops, reading events and more for all ages.
Kildare Town
Féile Bríde Art Exhibition - THE BOOK OF KILDARE by Josephine Hardiman.
From Tuesday 24th January to end February 2023.
The Book of Kildare is a project which began in 2016, with local artist and calligrapher, Josephine Hardiman recreating the Book of Kildare using her own interpretation and artistic talents. New and current pages will be on display in the library. It will be completed and published to celebrate Brigid 1500 in 2024.
No booking required.
Enquiries to Kildare Library: Phone 045 520235 or email kildarelib@kildarecoco.ie.
St. Brigid’s Cross workshops with Beth Murphy of Willow Wonder
Saturday 28th January 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Come along and make your own St Brigid’s Cross under the expert eye of Beth and Kildare Town Library staff.
No booking required – places allocated in the library throughout the morning.
Open Mic Night celebrating Féile Bríde
Monday 30th January 7.00pm
A collaborative literary event between Seanchaí Book Shop and Kildare Town Library, celebrating local poets, writers and artists who find inspiration in the symbols, customs and folklore surrounding Brigid.
No booking required
Please come early for tea/coffee to Seanchaí Book Shop, Claregate Street, Kildare Town R51 PA40.
Go Fly Your Kite
Thursday morning 2nd February
3 workshops making celebratory St Brigid’s Day Kites on Thursday 2nd February with Glenn Heasley. Booking for Kildare Town schools through Kildare Town Library: kildarelib@kildarecoco.ie / Phone: 045 520235.
Vital Signs: Poems of Illness and Healing
Kildare Town Library, Friday 3rd February 7pm
A Lecture and Poetry Reading by Martin Dyar with music and song by Treasa Harkin and Mairéad Carroll.
Martin Dyar grew up in Swinford, County Mayo. His first book of poems Maiden Names (Arlen House) was a books of the year selection in the Guardian and the Irish Times, and was shortlisted for the Pigott Poetry Prize. He has been the winner of the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award and the Strokestown International Poetry Award. With the composer Ryan Molloy, he has written a poetry song cycle, for soprano, harp and flute, titled Buaine na Gaoithe, which had an Irish national tour in 2018. He has held creative writing fellowships at the University of Iowa, the Washington Ireland Programme, and at the University of Limerick. He is the editor of the new anthology Vital Signs: Poems of Illness and Healing, published by Poetry Ireland. His next book of poems, The Meek, is forthcoming from Wake Forest University Press. He teaches in the School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin.
Celbridge
St Brigid’s Day – Pre-school Storytime and craft event
Wednesday 1st February 10am – 10.45am.
Celbridge Library
To celebrate this patron saint and historical goddess on this special day of St Brigid, come along to this specially themed storytime and craft morning for pre-schoolers in Celbridge Library.
All welcome but booking is required.
Maynooth
The story of St. Brigid with storyteller and singer Helena Byrne
Maynooth Library Wednesday 1ST February 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm
For ages 7+
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
Please book here: https://buytickets.at/maynoothlibrary/827044.
St. Brigid's Cross making workshop for families with Beth Murphy from Willow Wonder
Maynooth Community Library Friday 3rd February 3.30pm – 4.30pm.
Join Beth Murphy from Willow Wonder for this Family Friendly workshop where you can learn how to make a St. Brigid's cross from rushes. Spaces are limited. Please book here: https://buytickets.at/maynoothlibrary/828011.
Children must be accompanied by a parent /guardian.
Newbridge
Eco-Etching Workshop with Blueway Art Studio
To celebrate Brigid 1500, matron saint of printing, join Angelina of Blueway Art Studio for an eco-etching workshop. During this 2hr long workshop, participants will learn etching (drypoint) skills on recycled CDs or TetraPak, creating postcards or mini prints. Suitable for ages 8+.
Newbridge Library Thursday 2nd February, 5-7pm
Book A Ticket: https://buytickets.at/newbridgelibrary/822753
Naas
Eco-Etching Workshop with Blueway Art Studio
To celebrate Brigid 1500, matron saint of printing, join Angelina of Blueway Art Studio for an eco-etching workshop. During this 2hr long workshop, participants will learn etching (drypoint) skills on recycled CDs or TetraPak, creating postcards or mini prints. Suitable for ages 8+.
Naas Library: Tuesday 31st January at 4pm Ages: 8+
Book Here: https://buytickets.at/naaslibrary/822556
St Brigid's Camino
This is a FREE Event, just simply show up on the day.
You can contact the Parish Office on 045 525 345 if you require any additional information
