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Celebrations honouring the extraordinary life of St. Brigid of Faughart are poised to captivate audiences across the border counties as the eagerly awaited Brigid 1500: ‘Louth Birthplace of Brigid’ festival commences January 26, 2024.
Organised by Louth County Council, the festival serves as a tribute to one of Ireland’s most revered saints, offering a diverse array of events and initiatives that shed light on her legacy.
Scheduled to run from January 26 to February 5, 2024, the festival promises an immersive experience, paying homage to the life, contributions, and cultural influence of this iconic Irish saint. Born in the 5th century in Faughart, near Dundalk, Co. Louth, St. Brigid went on to found a monastery in Co. Kildare.
Kicking off the festivities is the Brigid 1500 Arts Exhibition, hosted in the former Houstons building at 4-5 Clanbrassil St. Starting on January 26 and concluding on February 5, this exhibition offers a portrayal of St. Brigid’s life through vibrant art pieces created by acclaimed artists Susan Farrelly, Una Curley, Claire McAteer, and Etaoin O’Reilly, led by Grainne Murphy. These art pieces, a fusion of various mediums, aim to capture the remarkable life story of one of Ireland’s best-known saints, featuring original pieces from the ‘Artist in the Community’ project over the past 12 months. The exhibition will also showcase the remarkable St. Brigid’s Cloak, created by students at St. Brigid’s School, Ard Easmuinn, and toured around libraries throughout the summer.
The ‘St. Brigid of Ireland’ Museum Exhibition at the County Museum, Dundalk, will be a stunning showcase honoring the life and accomplishments of one of our most revered saints. The exhibition explores her connections to both Pagan and Christian traditions and runs from January 26 to February 29.
Moving beyond the art realm, the commemorative events include Northern Lights – Brigid 1500, a multisensory light performance in Dundalk Town Centre. This unprecedented lighting display, choreographed to music, intertwines historical, cultural, and spiritual elements with state-of-the-art technology. Three exclusive shows will take place each evening in Dundalk town centre at 6pm, 6.30pm and 7pm running from Wednesday 31st January to Monday 5th February. Thereafter the celebrations will continue as the installation will be illuminated from 5pm – 10pm daily (without audio) until the end of the month.
A newly devised Brigid: Lady of Light theatrical performance at An Táin Arts Centre on February 1 and 2 promises an immersive experience, recounting St. Brigid’s compelling story from birth in Faughart to her legacy in Kildare. Commissioned by the Council, this piece features local musicians, dancers, and singers, along with the Setanta Choir, promising a wonderful evening of music and song to celebrate our female icon.
Throughout January, various Brigid Workshops will engage communities across Dundalk, Drogheda, and Ardee. Led by local artists and coordinated by Louth Library Service in conjunction with Louth County Council Arts Office, all workshops will be free of charge. Additionally, a series of Talks & Lectures on January 27, led by Dr. Mary Condren and Women’s Spirit Ireland, will delve into insightful topics surrounding the saint’s life and influence. This day-long event will feature renowned speakers and performers, including Nóirín Ní Ríain, Ruth Marshall, and Colette Allen.
The commemoration also encompasses captivating events such as Candlelit Tales’ performance at the historic Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol on February 3, a Brigid Trail, and the Brigid of Faughart Festival, offering a diverse range of activities and experiences from January 31 to February 5, 2024.
Moya Hodgers, Louth County Council Arts Officer, expressed excitement, stating, “We are very excited to welcome visitors to Louth to join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of Brigid of Faughart. We invite visitors from far and wide to immerse themselves in the enchanting story of Ireland’s beloved saint, and we have a fantastic program of events across the county for all the family to enjoy.”
Joan Martin, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, remarked, “The Brigid1500 celebrations are especially significant for County Louth, which as the birthplace of Brigid, is where her incredible legacy began. Louth County Council is delighted to lead this exciting festival of events and initiatives, showcasing Louth’s vibrant cultural heritage while commemorating the life and lasting impact of Brigid.”
