Massive Kildare Brigid festival lineup for the big weekend
David Mongey, Chairman Into Kildare, Kevin Duffy, Cathaoirleach of Kildare, Irish singer Eimear Quinn, Áine Mangan, CEO Into Kildare, Ted Robinson, Director Into Kildare
THIS WEEKEND is bursting with fantastic events all across the county for the Spirit of Brigid festival.
Starting today at 2pm and running over the long weekend, artist Anthony Haughey’s ‘Art House’ in Athy will present an impressive line up of talks with the St Brigid art installation ‘The Beauty of Brigid’ available for viewing.
Also available all weekend including bank holiday Monday, is a sunrise/sunset artist tour of the ‘Stones of Hollow Hill’, a new public artwork in Kerdiffstown Park, just outside Naas. People will be able to book in to join artist James Winnett on a guided tour, sharing inspiration behind the work and sharing the story of the 18 stones.
Also on today is Naas 'Brigid’s Eve Get-Together' which will host live performances from singers Sherena Leanna and Kyla Belle, with artisanal food stalls available at 5.30pm at Naas Library Courtyard.
Naas heads are also welcome today to a special screening of ‘Herself’ the film in St Davids Curch at 6pm, followed by a Q&A session with lead actor and co-writer, Clare Dunne.
Also on this evening is the sold-out ‘Nothing Compares’ concert, featuring Imelda May, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Una Healy, Lemoncello, Rachael Lavelle and special guest Sabina Higgins, with Laura Whitmore as the host.
If you couldn’t make today’s events, tomorrow is jam-packed too, with a cross weaving workshop on from 10am to 11.30am in Solas Bhride Centre, Kildare Town, followed by a talk on the customs and traditions associated with St Brigid in the same venue at 2.30pm.
Also on Brigid’s Day, is a family-friendly sport-filled day in the Curragh, featuring leading Irish sportswomen and organisations from 11am to 3pm.
Later in the evening, a free public concert will take place in the Curragh at 7pm, featuring Sharon Shannon, Lyra, Irish Women in Harmony and much more!
On Sunday, join Clane Abbey Community Centre from 10am for a day packed with hilarious performances, hands-on activities and games all centred around sustainability. Experience Animal Yoga for kids to move and play, and join the Green Grannies Bingo for a variety show. Both events are free, but booking is essential, and there are still tickets left so grab them while you can.
From 10am until 2pm, Growing Wild in Littlewood, Donadea in collaboration with Wild Kids Forest School are teaching Brigid Cross weaving by the fire with tea and tasty treats.
For the church-goers, there will be a mass in honour of our patron saint at St Brigid’s Well at 10.30am that day, with car parking facilities available at Solas Bhride Spirituality Centre, Kildare Town.
At 5pm, Market Square in Kildare Town will light up with aerial performances, spectacular special effects, and traditional Irish music at the ‘Cloak in the Night Sky’ free event. Not to be missed!
Early Monday morning, Monasterevin Parish have organised a Brigid Camino Walk at 10.30 am, with car parking provided at Mountrice Cross. The walk will be led by the bishop and will journey via Ulmeras and along the Canal Blueway, finishing in St Peter and Paul’s Church, followed by a service of light at 12.30pm.
At 11am in Sallins, there will be a Brigid’s parade, followed by a picnic at 12pm.
From 12pm to 4pm, Kilcock Community Centre will host the Spirit of Play Innovation Day, action-packed event with science, circus and dance for all ages. No booking is required for this event.
Those in Kildare Town can visit the Brigid’s Busking Festival, which is set to be a fun-filled family day, from 12pm to 4pm.
Later on in the evening at 7.30pm, from Roberstown to Sallins, the ‘Songs on a Boat’ event will take place, featuring Megan O’Neill and Friends, delivering an unforgettable floating concert for audiences gathered on the banks of the Grand Canal.
For more information on the events listed and booking procedure, visit the Spirit of Kildare website at:
