Kildare to host historic ‘Brigid’s Worlds’ conference
Maynooth University’s Dr Niamh Wycherley
A conference in Kildare next month will bring together leading academic experts on St Brigid for the first time in nearly two decades, offering a unique opportunity to investigate the historical origins of Brigid and her Church of Kildare.
and Kildare Co Council are uniting to host the ‘Brigid’s Worlds’ conference, taking place on 13-14 September.
This event is one of many organised to mark the 1500th anniversary of ’s death and aims to bring together scholars and enthusiasts to delve into the rich heritage of one of Ireland's most popular patron saints.
‘Brigid’s Worlds’ will explore the life and times of St Brigid and her Church of Kildare from the 5th to the 9th centuries, and feature a lineup of distinguished speakers from across the globe curated by Maynooth University’s Dr Niamh Wycherley (Department of Early Irish), including academics and experts such as Professor Catherine McKenna from Harvard University, Professor David Stifter from Maynooth University, Professor Thomas Owen Clancy from the University of Glasgow and many more. Each speaker brings distinct insights and expertise to explore the profound legacy of St Brigid and her Church of Kildare.
Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Kildare Co Council, said they are delighted to collaborate with Maynooth University on this significant event, “which not only celebrates the life of St Brigid but also highlights the importance of preserving our cultural heritage through academic discussion and community engagement.”
Maynooth University President Professor Eeva Leinonen said they are “proud” to host this conference in September and welcome guests from near and far to explore St Brigid’s “remarkable” legacy.
“With our research focus on heritage, culture, and language, Maynooth University has deep expertise in this area, and we look forward to the exchange of ideas and opportunities this event will bring,” she said.
According to Maynooth University Professor David Stifter, this conference brings together several major strands of research carried out at Maynooth’s Department of Early Irish on topics that exert a fascination wide outside of academia: the religious and intellectual history of early medieval Ireland and the earliest written tradition in Irish in the form of the ogham script.
is a comprehensive programme organised by Kildare Co Council aimed at celebrating and commemorating the life and legacy of St Brigid. Brigid’s World takes place in Maynooth University on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September. For more information and registration details, visit brigid1500.ie.
