We have three amazing events planned to celebrate Brigit and the arrival of Imbolc/Spring 2023. For our global friends we have a zoom event complete with a live fire from Brigit’s Garden. For those closer to home we have an “in-person” event – a very special afternoon themed on  ‘holding the vision of a healed earth’ (sold out). And on the bank holiday Monday – the first of its kind in Ireland – we are offering free workshops on how to make a Brigit’s Cross or Brídeog.

Celebrating Brigit and Imbolc – in person (sold out)

Sunday 5^th February 2 – 5.30pm at Brigit’s Garden

Join us for a special afternoon to celebrate Brigit’s Day, Lá Fhéile Bríde, the Celtic fire festival of Imbolc. This is the traditional start of spring in Ireland,  a time for renewal and connection to the land. Brigit, as both goddess and saint, still speaks to us today through her role as a healer and her deep relationship with nature.

With the theme ‘holding the vision of a healed earth’ we will explore the stories and symbols of Brigit, have an opportunity to make Brigit’s crosses and Brídeog dolls and share some reflective time. We will also participate in Brigit rituals and  traditions including calling in Brigit, passing through the Crios Bríd (Brigit’s girdle), laying the Brat Bríde outside, and finishing with a fire (weather permitting).

There will also be music and song, and a mid-afternoon break with tea/coffee and cakes (included).

After the main event finishes at 5.30pm, people are welcome to stay and share songs, poems and stories around the fire.

The event is offered by Caroline McFadden, Carol Barrett, Jacinta Corbett and Jenny Beale.

All are welcome, and all proceeds go to support Brigit’s Garden. The event is best suited for adults.

Cost

Please book in advance. Standard contribution €35; Supporting contribution €40; Concession €25.

If you need a free place please email jenny@brigitsgarden.ie.

Update: Celebrating Brigit ‘in-person’ is now sold out.

Make a Brigit’s Crosses and/or a Brídeog

Bank Holiday Monday 6^th February, workshops at 2pm and 3pm

No charge, donations welcome.

We are pleased to offer two free workshops to celebrate Brigit and the coming of spring. Come and make a Brigit’s cross or a Brídeog (Brigit doll) out of rushes to take home.

The two workshops will be the same – choose whichever time suits you!

All are welcome and no booking is required.

Finding Brigit on RTE 1

Finally, please tune into RTE 1 at 10.15pm on Tuesday 31st January where Siobhan McSweeney will be go in search of Brigit in the new documentary “Finding Brigid”, partly filmed here at Brigit’s Garden in Galway.

Herstory’s Melanie Lynch and Laura Murphy join Derry Girls star Siobhán McSweeney as she gathers a “mnásome” in a stone circle in Brigit’s Garden, Galway in her quest for the real Brigid.

1500 years after Brigid’s death, Siobhán unravels the tangled threads of fact and folklore to reveal the truth about this elusive Goddess, Woman and Saint, and asks why, in an increasingly secular and diverse Ireland, Brigid’s popularity appears to be on the rise?

Joining the search are sisters Mary Kennedy and Deirdre Ni Chinnéide, who grew up by St Brigid’s Well in Clondalkin and are co-authors of the book Journey to the Well.

Siobhán then visits the sacred Brigid’s Well in Kildare with former president Mary McAleese. It looks to be an exciting show.