Spirit of Brigid

The Blindboy Podcast Live
2026-01-31 14:00 (Europe/Dublin) | Cruinniú Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F, W91 X77F, Ireland
Please Note: This is an Over 18s Event
Tickets are now on sale below:
Buy Tickets

Address: Crinniu Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F
Date: 31/01/26
Time: 2 p.m.
Door 13:30 p.m.
Arrive early for crafting & Cross Making at 13:00.
Join Blindboy and other guests, for the Blindboy Podcast Live, in this ticketed event which will take place at “Cruinniú Chill Dara”, Devoy Park, Naas as part of the Brigid, Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026.

Blindboy is a best selling Irish writer and podcaster. The Blindboy podcast has now exceeded 80 million listeners globally. Described in the New York times as “a cultural phenomenon” his inimitable podcast teases at the boundaries of literature and spoken word.

With The Guardian noting that he has “Changed podcast culture forever”

His live podcasts sell out worldwide, from Toronto to Brisbane to London’s Hammersmith Apollo. Outspoken, informed and empathetic, Blindboy engages his audience with an acerbic wit.

“One of the most gifted writers of his generation” The Irish Times.

“….embracing Joyces use of Symbolism, stream of consciousness and Parody, Blindboy infuses his writing with his own distinctive and darkly satirical craft” The Glasgow Guardian

Check back in coming days on www.spiritofbrigid.ie for ticket release or our socials @spiritofbrigid for more information on this and other exciting acts soon to be announced.

Candlelit Tales Storytelling Skills
2026-01-31 14:00 | Venue: Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Kildare, Ireland
An energetic, interactive workshop, using game-based learning to highlight the skills needed for storytelling. Led by Sorcha Fumbally of Candlelit Tales.
Link to book tickets and further information can be found below:
https://www.riverbank.ie/event/candlelit-tales-storytelling-skills/
Venue: Riverbank Arts Centre
Date: 31/01/26
Time: 2 p.m.

Kilteel St. Brigid’s Art Weekend - Ciorcal Comhrá
2026-01-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Kilteel Community Hall, Kilteel, Co. Kildare
There will be a table in the tea rooms with Irish speakers of various skill levels to practice your cúpla focal. Fáilte roimh gach leibhéal.

Féile Bríde 2026 – Pilgrimage on St. Brigid’s Eve at 6pm
2026-01-31 18:00 | Japanese Garden’s Car Park
“Walk with us in the soft glow of candlelight to honour St. Brigid and embrace a time of reflection ritual, and prayer.”.

Assemble at at 5.45 p.m.

Car facilities also available at Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road.

Please note earlier time

Fireside Stories with Volkidana
2026-01-31 18:00 - 21:00 | Main Street, Maynooth, Ireland
Please note, tickets are not required for this event.
Show Times: 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. The 6 pm showing will be a relaxed performance featuring lower sound and lighting, along with sensory supports.
Date: 31/01/26
Free Outdoor Event
Volkidana brings a breathtaking fireside storytelling spectacle to Maynooth—where myth blazes to life through puppetry, aerial artistry and elemental performance in the tale of the Raiders of Cooley. Expect a legendary tale reborn in sparks, shadow and soaring imagination, inviting audiences of all ages into a world where folklore roars with fire.

Kilteel St. Brigid’s Art Weekend - From Darkness to Light
2026-01-31 18:30 | Kilteel Community Hall, Kilteel, Co. Kildare
Join us around the outdoor fire, a symbol of moving from darkness into light, from winter towards spring and a time of renewed hope.

Tunes, readings and songs to mark our tentative steps into the celtic spring.

Bring last year’s St. Brigid’s Cross to throw in the fire. Tradition holds that if you make a new cross each year it will keep fire from your home.

We will be joined around the fire by:

The Clondalkin Mummers

who will then round off the evening with a short performance indoors. The Clondalkin Mummers, Cleanmairí Chluain Dolcáin, were founded to bring the ancient tradition of mumming back to life.

This will be followed by an informal Irish Music Session

Candlelit Tales Awakening Brigid
2026-01-31 20:00 | Venue: Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Kildare, Ireland
Candlelit Tales bring their unique style of musical Storytelling to tell the tale of Brigid as part of Kildare County Council’s Brigid, Spirit of Kildare Festival, 2026. Featuring live musical accompaniment, just as Brigid would have wanted, be she a Saint, a Goddess, or perhaps a bit of both.
Further information and link to book tickets can be found at the below link:
https://www.riverbank.ie/event/candlelit-tales-awakening-brigid/
Venue: Riverbank Arts Centre
Date: 31/01/26
Time: 8 p.m.

Lisa Hannigan, Gemma Hayes and Paul Noonan, an evening of collaboration and song
2026-01-31 20:00 | Cruinniú Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F, W91 X77F, Ireland
Lisa Hannigan, Gemma Hayes and Paul Noonan have always individually danced between genres as artists. Collaboration is part of the makeup of each of their careers
Turning Pirate presents this very special show coming to the St Brigid’s Festival Spiegltent for St Brigid’s Festival 2026. Three artists who have predominantly been centre-stage in their careers, while also experiencing the other parts and spaces and instruments that populate a band; Lisa, Gemma and Paul will come together to collaborate and share their stage and their songs with each other.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO SUPPORT ACT, PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME.
Doors: 19:30pm
Time: 20:00pm
Over 16’s accompanied
Location: Address: Crinniu Chill Dara, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F
Date: 31/01/26
Tickets on sale December 19th at 12pm
Buy Tickets

Celine Byrne
2026-01-31 21:00 | St. Brigid’s Cathedral,, Market Square, Kildare Town, R51 HY65
Date: 31/01/26
Venue: St. Brigid’s Cathedral
Time: 9 p.m.
Doors open 8:30 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO SUPPORT ACT, PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME.
Tickets are now on sale below:
Buy Tickets

An unforgettable evening with Kildare native and internationally acclaimed soprano, Celine Byrne.
Celebrated as one of opera’s brightest stars, Celine’s powerful and emotive voice has captivated audiences on the world’s most prestigious stages. Now, she performs in the stunning and historic setting of St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare Town, for a rare and intimate concert.
Don’t miss this magical opportunity to witness world-class artistry in a unique local setting.
Check back in coming days on www.spiritofbrigid.ie for ticket release or our socials @spiritofbrigid for more information on this and other exciting acts soon to be announced.

Kilteel St. Brigid’s Art Weekend - Le Cheile—the gathering
2026-02-01 10:30 - 17:00 | Kilteel Community Hall, Kilteel, Co. Kildare
Tea, coffee and chat after Mass.

St Brigid’s Cross making. Home made cakes and spring planters for sale.

Taylor Swift Party
2026-02-01 11:00 | Cruinniú Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F, W91 X77F, Ireland
Address: Crinniu Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F
Date: 01/02/26
Time: 11 a.m.
Doors open 10:30 a.m.
Please arrive early for bracelet making, around 10:30, the event is planned to finish around 12:00.
Event is free but requires tickets to be booked below:
Book Tickets

Join Lisa Murray, Ireland’s biggest Swiftie, as she takes over for the ultimate Swiftie party packed with all the biggest Eras hits. Our dancers will be on hand to teach fresh Taylor-inspired routines, so you can belt out every lyric, move like you’re on tour and celebrate each era in true Swiftie fashion. One of the fandom’s most iconic traditions awaits too—friendship bracelet making. Craft, swap and collect your own glittering keepsakes, building your stack and your connections with fellow fans. Get ready for sparkle, rhythm and full-on Swiftie energy.

Kilteel St. Brigid’s Art Weekend - Stage Door and More
2026-02-01 11:30 | Kilteel Community Hall, Kilteel, Co. Kildare
The Children of Stage Door and More Drama School will perform to welcome the return of Celtic spring and brighter days.

Féile Bríde 2026 – Kildare calls for a Global Pause for Peace
2026-02-01 12:00 | Co. Kildare
“The Pause for Peace Movement invites people from around the world to stop and pause for 1 minute’s silence/reflection with the aim of forming a spirit of solidarity and peace in societies all over the globe.” Michael D. Higgins

Féile Bríde 2026 – The Planting of a Peace Pole
2026-02-01 12:15 | Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre, Tully Rd, Tully East, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare
“May Peace Prevail on earth” – A Peace Pole is a symbol of hope, unity, and a monument to peace in our world.
Time: 12.15pm
Venue: Solas Bhride Spirituality Centre
Admission: Free

Kilteel St. Brigid’s Art Weekend - Céilí Dancing for all the family
2026-02-01 12:30 | Kilteel Community Hall, Kilteel, Co. Kildare
Céilí Dancing for all the family

Brigid Film Season 2026 - The Wild Robot
2026-02-01 14:00 | Kilcullen Bridge Cinema
Discover the heartwarming adventure of The Wild Robot, a perfect film for families to enjoy together.
Roz is a curious robot who becomes stranded in the wilderness and must learn to adapt, survive, and form unexpected friendships with the animals around her. The film adapted from Peter Brown’s beloved and award-winning book is a celebration of love, courage, and connection – an unforgettable journey for all ages.
Children will love the charming characters and thrilling moments, and adults will appreciate the emotional depth and life lessons.
Tickets €4 available in Woodbine Books or Eventbrite link on the Kilcullen Bridge Cinema Instagram page (@kilcullenbridgecinema).
Date: 01/02/26
Time: 2 p.m.

Kilteel St. Brigid’s Art Weekend - Writers Corner
2026-02-01 14:00 | Kilteel Community Hall, Kilteel, Co. Kildare
Writers of all genres are invited to read from their work in an informal setting – poetry, short stories, extracts from published and unpublished works. All welcome to come and listen or read something you have written yourself.

Carrying Her Flame
2026-02-01 18:00 | Kildare Town, Ireland
Please note, tickets are not required for this event.
LUXE will lead a grand fiery processional event for the Spirit of Kildare Festival.
Mark the end of the darkness of Winter and the return of light that is Spring in an immersive illumination of the streets of Kildare Town.
This stunning, fiery display – offers a unique opportunity to experience the energy and magic of the Brigid Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026.
Gathering at 5:45pm | Procession starts at 6:00pm
Please sign up at the below link if you’d like to be a lantern carrier:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeG7iJkKK7mt78d1Ej4-zAMwsXtJLuOl7N2-Ejzb7o7Bg6llA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101795828532364369988
Date: 01/02/26

Féile Bríde 2026 – Ceoilchoirm – Concert with Inni-K
2026-02-01 20:00 | Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre, Tully Rd, Tully East, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare
Inni-K (Eithne Ní Chatháin) is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter whose music draws from her extensive background in sean-nós and traditional Irish music.
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Solas Bhride Centre
Buy Tickets

Lasair Bhríde/Brigid's Flame
2026-02-01 20:00 | The Dew Drop Inn, Kill, Co. Kildare
A night of Irish Traditional Music in Kill, Co. Kildare, on Sunday 1st February at 8 p.m. The line-up includes virtuoso uilleann piper, Mark Redmond, songs and tunes from sisters Sandie Purcell and Rossagh Cusack, some Irish and Breton magic from Aoife Kelly and Charlie Le Brun on concertina and flute, and a powerful duet of fiddle and accordion with Michael Harrison and Janine Redmond. The concert will also premiere a new composition, “Bandia”, for uilleann pipes and fiddle by Sandie Purcell.
Buy Tickets

Brigid's Cross making with Willow Wonder
2026-02-02 09:30 - 14:00 | Cruinniú Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F, W91 X77F, Ireland
It is said that, St Brigid wove a cross from the rushes of a floor mat, as she taught a dying man about Christianity. This cross appears with a woven diamond in the centre, with 3 or 4 arms. Hanging a Brigid’s cross from the rafters of one’s house on February 1st was believed to bring the blessing and protection of St Brigid for the remainder of the year, particularly from fire; a common issue for houses with thatched roofs!

Join Willow Wonder, Beth Murphy, for traditional St Brigids Cross making, using Willow and Rushes. Leave with your very own authentic St Brigids Cross, feeling closer to the spirit of Brigid and Kildare itself.

Beth has been growing and working with willow since 1997. She set up willow wonder in 2005 to promote the ancient craft of Basketmaking, Environment and Heritage. Beth’s current interest is in big sculptural pieces mixing steel and willow to play with form. website: https://willowwonder.net/

There is no booking necessary, these events will be run on a drop in basis.

Joe the Magician Beo
2026-02-02 10:00 | Cruinniú Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F, W91 X77F, Ireland
Address: Crinniu Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F
Date: 02/02/26
Time: 10 a.m.
Doors open 9:30 a.m.
Arrive early for Brigid’s Cross Making at 9:30 a.m.
Event is free but requires tickets to be booked below:
Book Tickets

Join Joe the Magician from RTÉjr favourites abraKIDabra and Dizzy Deliveries for a whirl of magic, mayhem and mighty fun as he brings his hugely popular children’s show to Crinniú Chill Dara! Famous for his playful chaos and quick-witted comedy, Joe delivers a lively performance bursting with laughter, surprises and plenty of playful participation. With a cúpla focal woven throughout and magic at every turn, this energetic show encourages young audiences to join the adventure and experience the joy of magic together.
Note: Suitable for over 4s

St. Brigid's Camino Walk
2026-02-02 10:30 | St. Brigid’s Shrine, Rathanghan Road (R414), Monasterevin, Ireland
St. Brigid is reputed to have been born in the Townland of Umeras, just outside Monasterevin, Co. Kildare.
To commemorate Brigid, Monasterevin Parish have organised a Camino Walk in her honour. Starting at St. Brigid’s Shrine at Monasterevin- Rathanghan Road (R414), Eircode W34 X529, @11am on Monday 2nd February ( walk is approx. 6km). Car parking provided at Mountrice Cross.
The walk will Journey via Umeras then along the New Canal Blue Way, finishing in Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Drogheda Street, Monasterevin (W34KD61) with a service of Light at 12.30pm.
A bus will leave the Parish Church Monasterevin at 10.30am to Mountrice and return to Monasterevin at 2.00pm.
For those who wish to avail.

More information:
Parish Office 045 525346

Brigid's Spring Parade
2026-02-02 11:00 | Grand Canal Stores, Sallins, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Meet at 11am Grand Canal Stores
Date: 02/02/26
Time: 11 a.m.
The theme is Brigid, Bees & Butterflies
Come in Fancy Dress or borrow costumes and props from our costume station.
Cycle, scoot or walk together in our Biodiversity Parade . Post event cuppa in Sallins Parish Hall

Féile Bríde 2026 – Under Brigid's Mantle
2026-02-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre, Tully Rd, Tully East, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare
A celebration of St. Brigid combining storytelling, poetry and music.
Presenters: Solas Bhride Team with Guest speaker Nancy Fitzgerald (Author of Brigid’s Mantle)
Time: 11.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon
Venue: Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre
Admission: €5.00
Booking details: www.solasbhride.ie or info@solasbhride.ie
Ph: 045 522890

Make your own St. Brigid's Cross
2026-02-02 11:00 - 15:00 | The Square, Kildare Town, Ireland
Join Wild Kids Forest School for this family friendly event and learn about the local traditions and folklore associated with St. Brigid.
Date: 02/02/26
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Venue: The Square, Kildare Town

Cloak on the Moat 2026
2026-02-02 12:00 | The Moat of Ardscull, Athy
A community cultural celebration of St. Brigid and Kildare, fast becoming a much loved day out for the people of South Kildare.

Featuring:

Live Music
Ceili Dancing
Local history talk
Best dressed Brigid competition

The event takes place outdoors in the beloved heritage site of The Moat of Ardscull.

Brigid’s Busking Festival
2026-02-02 12:00 - 17:00 | Market Square & Surrounding Areas, Kildare Town
Looking for a great day out this Bank Holiday? Join us in Kildare Town for Brigid’s Busking Festival, a vibrant celebration of live music, street performance, and community spirit.

Building on the success of last year, the festival returns bigger and better, featuring a lively mix of talented buskers and performers bringing the streets to life. Stroll through the town, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a full afternoon of entertainment.

🎶 Live Music & Street Performances
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly – suitable for all ages
📍 Market Square & Surrounding Areas
🕛 12 noon – 5pm

Make a day of it — pop into Kildare, enjoy the performances, and experience the buzz of this unique Bank Holiday event.

Keep an eye out for more updates as the festival approaches.

How to Gael Live
2026-02-02 14:00 | Cruinniú Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F, W91 X77F, Ireland
Address: Crinniu Chill Dara, Festival Tent, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F
Date: 02/02/26
Time: 14:00
Doors open 13:30
Arrive early for Brigid’s Cross Making at 13:00
Tickets available below:
Buy Tickets

‘How To Gael is Ireland’s number one bilingual podcast and has quickly amassed a cult following at home and abroad since its 2023 launch. Mar thriúr ban navigating their 30s, they are living, working and socialising as Gaeilge in a way that is suimiúil, spraíúil agus just good craic. You may not learn the modh coinníollach, but from sharing their favourite lines in Irish literature to justifying the absolute necessity of weekly blow dries (a.k.a. ESSENTIAL), these mná embody a vibrant new generation of Gaels.
Join Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Louise Cantillon and a special guest at St Brigid’s Festival for a bilingual celebration filled with wit, warmth and wide-open conversation. Whether you’re a fluent speaker or simply Gaeilge-curious, this uplifting live event invites everyone to lean in—brunch-chat energy, festival vibes and plenty of craic guaranteed.’

‘How to Gaels special guest Brìghde Chaimbeul is a trailblazing Scottish smallpipes virtuoso, blending ancient Gaelic roots with bold experimental sound, and winner of the BBC Young Folk and Horizon Awards. She embodies the festival spirit, redefining Celtic tradition for a new era.
Brìghde Chaimbeul (Breech-huh Campbell) is a leading purveyor of celtic experimentalism and a master of the Scottish smallpipes; a bellows-blown, mellower cousin to the famous Highland bagpipes. A native Gaelic speaker, Brìghde roots her music in her language and culture. She rose to prominence as a prodigy of traditional music, but has since begun a journey to take the smallpipes into unchartered territory. She has devised a unique way or arranging for pipe music that emphasises the rich textural drones of the instrument; the constancy of sound that creates a trance-like atmosphere, played with enticing virtuosic liquidity. She draws inspiration from the world of interconnected piping traditions, but her most recent album brings in influence from ambient, avant garde and electronic music.
Her mesmerising musicianship has won her many awards and media recognition, including BBC Young Folk Award, BBC Horizon Award, SAY Award nomination and a wide array of collaborators include Caroline Polachek, Colin Stetson, Gruff Rhys, Radie Peat.
Brìghde’s smallpipes are made by renowned makers Fin Moore and Hamish Moore.
See more on her website: https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=1340&r=show&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brichaimbeul.com%2F&t=a7de1ad4dc9209c55f72d1f54e8b59c5a8b0fd4c
As a modern torchbearer of her namesake’s legacy, Brìghde perfectly embodies the spirit of the festival by fusing ancient Gaelic roots with a creative fire that redefines Celtic tradition for a new era.

Féile Bríde 2026 – Kildare through the Ages: A Journey across the Curragh
2026-02-02 14:00 | Co. Kildare
Step back in time and explore Kildare’s history on the legendary Curragh.
Facilitators: Kevin O’Kelly, Mary Lenihan
Registration: 2.00 p.m. at Solas Bhride Spirituality Centre
2.15 p.m. Bus departing
Cost: €10.00 (incl. cost of bus & tea/coee)
Bus will bring participants to The Curragh
Booking details: www.solasbhride.ie or info@solasbhride.ie
Ph: 045 522890
Please dress weather appropriate and wear suitable footwear for
soft/wet ground underfoot. Moderate level of difficulty.
