Picture This, Gurriers, Blindboy, Celine Byrne, Jack L and more are set to perform across Kildare
Tickets for selected headline concerts go on sale Thursday 27th November at 10am
18 November 2025: Kildare County Council has announced a standout programme for the Brigid 2026, Spirit of Kildare Festival, with a dynamic mix of music, art, conversation, and creative community-led events taking place across the county from Thursday 29 January to Monday 2 February 2026. The festival delivers a vibrant, five-day programme of music, art, culture, and family-friendly activities that celebrate Brigid’s enduring legacy and spirit.
Proudly delivered by Kildare County Council, the Brigid 2026 festival brings together some of Ireland’s most exciting artists and performers. The festival’s ticketed concert series, the Spirit of Kildare Sessions, features a powerful line-up, including performances from Blindboy, Gurriers, How to Gael Podcast, Celine Byrne and Jack L.
These highly anticipated acts join the recently announced Picture This homecoming performance at Dreamland Ballroom, Athy, which has already sold out.
Ticketed performances will take place across the County and the 2026 Festival also includes a new feature, a Festival hub, an atmospheric and intimate performance space called “Cruinniú Chill Dara” that will showcase musical and spoken word performances in a Spiegeltent at Áras Chill Dara in Naas.
Firmly established as one of Ireland’s leading cultural festivals, Brigid 2026 builds on the extraordinary impact and success of previous years. The programme offers a mix of free and ticketed events, welcoming all audiences to celebrate the best of Kildare’s culture and community.
This year’s concert series will unfold in unique and historic venues across County Kildare, offering audiences an unforgettable celebration of Irish artistry and culture.
Speaking on the launch of the programme for the upcoming festival, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council said; “With the Brigid 2026 – Spirit of Kildare Festival, we are continuing the remarkable journey that began with the success of Brigid 1500 and grew even stronger in 2025.
An inclusive celebration of St. Brigid’s enduring legacy, the 2026 festival seeks to further honour her life, spirit, and commitment to community, by bringing her story to life in fresh, imaginative ways that resonate with people of all ages, cultures, and background, across Kildare.”
Noting the Spirit of Kildare theme, Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly said;
“I am especially proud that the ticketed programme – the Spirit of Kildare Sessions, features so many performers with strong Kildare associations, showcasing the incredible talent of Kildare. I would strongly urge everyone to secure their ticket, as soon as they are available online, for what are sure to be unique and memorable events, many in unique heritage sites of Kildare.
One of Brigid’s many qualities was warm hospitality and we look forward to welcoming thousands of people, from near and far, to this year’s events.
In addition to the ticketed events, I’m very excited to see how our local communities will energise our programme and bring the festival to life with their unique events, highlighting what the spirit St. Brigid represents to them today.
I invite everyone to immerse themselves in Kildare’s heritage, celebrate the values that St. Brigid embodied, and explore how her legacy continues to shape our lives.”
Brigid 2026 promises to further cement the festival as one of Ireland’s most exciting cultural celebrations. This year’s theme continues to spotlight Brigid’s legacy of creativity, compassion, equality and community through a rich programme designed for all ages.
Details of free family friendly, community events and further ticketed performances will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the festival’s ticketed events will go on sale Thursday 27th November at 10am, with early demand expected following last year’s rapid sellout.
For more information on Brigid 2026, please visit www.spiritofbrigid.ie and follow Spirit of Brigid on social media channels.