If you’re seeking a memorable way to mark St Brigid’s Day on February 1, County Louth offers an ideal celebration for you.
St Brigid’s Day is gaining momentum as a nationwide celebration, and this year County Louth extends an invitation to people nationwide to gather in St Brigid’s birthplace, reconnecting with the place where her story started and embracing Irish heritage.
Her legacy endures in the landscape, the cycles of seasonal customs, and in communities that honour her annually in Faughart, a short distance from Dundalk.
Back in 1934, Cardinal MacRory designated Faughart as the National Shrine of St. Brigid. Within this site, visitors can visit St. Brigid’s Shrine and Holy Well, Sruth Bhríde (St. Brigid’s Stream), both ancient and contemporary Stations of the Cross, and stones reputed to hold Brigid’s restorative power.
Commentant les célébrations à venir et la liaison de Brigid avec le comté, David Conway, Directeur général du Louth County Council, a déclaré :
“Brigid’s tale starts here in Louth, and St. Brigid’s Day offers a chance to explore Faughart and its surroundings, and to observe how this place continues to shape the way her story is remembered and observed today.”
Check out some of the County Louth events you can take part in:
St. Brigid Medieval-Style Candlelit Procession – Saturday 31 January | 6.30pm | St. Brigid’s Shrine, Faughart
Organised by the Faughart Community Group, this centuries-old candlelit procession begins at St. Brigid’s Shrine and proceeds to Faughart graveyard, led by robed figures and a lone drummer. Welcoming attendees of all faiths and none, the evening culminates at the Hill of Faughart with fire on the motte, candlelit ruins, chanting, incense and music, featuring an uilleann piper, a poignant communal tribute to Brigid as saint, goddess and local heroine.
The Northern Lights: Celebrating Brigid – Market Square, Dundalk Live shows: 1 & 2 February | 6pm, 6.20pm, 6.40pm, 7pm
This multisensory light installation will transform Dundalk’s Market Square with a striking display choreographed to music, weaving together Brigid’s history, symbolism and spiritual resonance using cutting-edge lighting technology.
St. Brigid Exhibition – County Museum Dundalk | 30 January – Mid-February
County Museum Dundalk will host a St. Brigid exhibition exploring her roots in both pagan and Christian traditions, presenting the Faughart-born saint as a figure of continued relevance today. The exhibition features examples of Brigid’s Cross, highlights her birthplace as a long-standing site of pilgrimage, and traces how her symbol has been adopted by organisations including RTÉ and the GAA.
EPSO Walking Tour: Stories, Street Art & Hidden Gems of Dundalk Saturday 31 January | 2pm | Dundalk Town
This special edition 90-minute EPSO Walking Tour explores Dundalk’s stories, street art and hidden corners, with a focus on Brigid’s connection to County Louth.
Crios Belt Weaving for Brigid’s Week – 4 February | 6pm | An Táin Arts Centre (Bó Studios)
Join artist Úna Curley for a hands-on workshop exploring the ancient craft of crios belt weaving, often associated with weddings and rites of passage.
Brigid Symbols & Customs Workshop 31 January | 11am–1pm | An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk
Learn to weave the iconic Brigid’s Cross and Crios Bríd (Brigid’s Belt) while sharing stories and traditions with Roisin Cotter and Maura Lennon.
Pilgrimage Walk: Hill of Faughart to Dundalk (12.8km) 1 February | 10am–2pm
The opening walk of Brigid’s Way Celtic Pilgrimage, beginning at St. Brigid’s Holy Well and travelling through her shrine, ancient stones, Kilcurry and Toberona, before finishing at Brigid’s stream at Lisnawilly Estate, Dundalk. Includes ritual, a Brigid Water Blessing and storytelling exploring Brigid’s myths, legends and local history. Guided by Dr Karen Ward and eco-artist Siobhán Madden.
Also taking place is Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women. The fifth edition presents more than 120 themed events spread across the city, honouring St Brigid’s Day, Imbolc, and the contributions of women to Irish culture and society. Over the Bank Holiday weekend—from Friday, 30 January, to Monday, 2 February—locals and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including markets, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, live performances, walking tours, and more, all dedicated to Brigit and the women who shape our world. Access the full programme and tickets at dublin.ie/brigit.
And, in Kildare, check out Brigid 2026 – Spirit of Kildare Festival from from Thursday, 29 January to Monday, 2 February. Held by Kildare County Council, Brigid 2026 celebrates the legacy of St. Brigid through a county-wide programme of events, with children and families placed at the centre of the festival experience. These range from: Bee is for Bríd with the Green Grannies at Cruinniú Chill Dara on 31 January, a playful and educational event celebrating sustainability, creativity and the story of St. Brigid, alongside a sustainable bee costume workshop; to the Taylor Swift Party at Cruinniú Chill Dara on 1 February, while later that day Carrying Her Flame will take place in Kildare Town, a powerful outdoor procession marking the return of the light and the seasonal shift from winter to spring;
The festival will also place a spotlight on Irish language culture with a series of flagship Gaeilge events taking place across the county. Highlights include How to Gael at Cruinniú Chill Dara, a lively celebration of Irish language and culture, alongside a special concert by legendary traditional band Altan, marking a major moment in the festival programme.
