St Brigid's Day: 8 things to do this bank holiday weekend

St Brigid's Day in Ireland seems to be growing in stature by the year (not least since the public were given an extra Bank Holiday for the much-loved patron saint).

2025’s programme of events around the country looks even more eclectic than ever. It features walking tours spinning a yarn about vital women in history, Brigid’s cross-making workshops, panel discussions, film screenings and musical performances.

St Brigid is the patroness saint of Ireland, and one of its three national saints along with Patrick and Columba. Often linked to the Celtic goddess Brigid, the Kildare saint is patroness of poetry, learning, healing, protection, blacksmithing, livestock and dairy production. Sounds like a true Renaissance woman to us.

We’ve picked some highlights from the festivals and local events taking place next weekend (31 January-2 February), in honour of the springtime legend herself.

Kildare's Spirit of Brigid Festival 2025

The festival kicks off with a grand opening ceremony to mark St Brigid’s Day, celebrating the saint’s legacy and connection to Irish culture, spirituality, and the coming of spring. Bob Geldof, Robert Grace, Danny O’Reilly, Amble, Jack L, Robert Grace and local Athy band MOA. will perform at the festival’s He for She: An Evening for Equality event at the Dreamland Ballroom in Athy.

Dublin Digital Radio (ddr.) new studio opener

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Celebrate the community radio station’s new home in Flux Studios, Chatham Row, Dublin 2 on 1 February between 12pm-8pm. The event is free and open to the general public. Music will be broadcast onto the street outside from Chatham Row’s courtyard, with food provided by friends of ddr. and a cultural discussion from ddr. members. Tattoo artist Silvio Hood will also be offering St Brigid’s cross tattoos for making a memorable mark on the day.

Hands-on Brigid's cross-making (nationwide)

Workshops are taking place around the country to teach participants how to weave the iconic St Brigid’s Cross from rushes, a symbol of Irish heritage. These family-friendly workshops offer a deeper connection to the cultural practices of Ireland. Galway's Brigid’s Garden workshop has a free of charge session that accepts donations. There's also one at Dublin’s Richmond Barracks.

Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women, Dublin

From 31 January to 3 February, Dublin City Council are back for the third year with Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women. Over 80 events take place around the city, featuring 'Brigids Through the Centuries: Some lesser-known Irish Women in history’, ‘The Forgotten Women of the 1916 Rebellion’, forging Claddagh rings, movie showings and a cycle to Brigid’s well.

Brigid at The Barrel Sauna, Dundrum, Dublin

Why not soak in a goddess-inspired sauna to celebrate the Brigit Festival? Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating experience of the sauna and cold plunge, representing transformation and a fresh reset for the year ahead. Running from 7om-9pm on 31 January and with only 28 seats available, this intimate gathering promises to be a unique experience.

Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story at the Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin

Director Sinéad O’Shea will lead a Q&A on Friday 31 January at both 12pm and 3.30pm on Sunday 2 February, director Sinéád O’Shea will be seated for a post-screening Q&A on her new film, Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story. Emerging from rural Ireland, Edna O’Brien broke multiple taboos with her sexually provocative literature and equally adventurous love life. Here, she opens up about her past with additional perspectives offered by Gabriel Byrne, Walter Mosely, and others.

The Northern Lights Celebrating Brigid at Market Square, Dundalk

Returning this year, the Northern Lights multisensory light performance will illuminate Dundalk’s Market Square in celebration of St Brigid. Louth was supposedly the birthplace of Brigid, in case you weren’t aware! This breathtaking display, choreographed to music, intertwines historical, cultural, and spiritual elements with cutting-edge technology. Live shows will take place between 6pm and 7pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February.

Brigid x Seanchoíche at the Pepper Canister Church, Dublin

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On Saturday 1 February in Dublin’s stunning Pepper Canister Church, trending storytelling night Seanchóiche will honour the legacy of one of Ireland's most beloved and powerful female figures. Special guests include: multi-disciplinary artist Pippa Moloney, poet and performer from Dublin, Natalya O’Flaherty, singer-songwriter Farah Elle and Limerick activist Natasha O'Brien covering themes of wisdom, nature, rebellion and healing.