Following the immense success of last year’s inaugural celebration, Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women returns this year bigger and better, from Wednesday 1st of February (St Brigid’s Day) until Monday 6th February – complementing the brand new bank holiday that has been introduced to officially honour St. Brigid’s Day for the first time. Brought to you by Dublin City Council, it celebrates the contributions and achievements of women past and present and includes a city-wide programme highlighting the stories of Irish women through the ages, promoting their immense contribution to our society, and welcoming the beginning of Spring.
Drawing inspiration from the Celtic goddess Brigit who is associated with creativity, wisdom, rebellion and the traditional festival of Imbolc celebrating the start of Spring (otherwise known as St. Brigid’s Day), this exciting new programme includes inspiring tours, insightful talks, workshops, exhibitions and mesmerising performances.
Commenting on the initiative Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said: “I am delighted to support ‘Brigit 2023: Dublin City Celebrating Women’ as it returns following the immense success of the inaugural festival in 2022. It is extremely important that we continue to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Irish women and acknowledge the impact they have made on our society. Brigit 2023 provides opportunities for us to do just that, with a unique and robust programme of events running across our city in honour of Brigit, to complement the brand new bank holiday this year celebrating the fierce, wise and creative Goddess.”
Discover The City – Walking Tours
Immerse yourself in the beauty and unique stories of Dublin City with a series of walking tours focusing on inspirational Irish women in a specially curated series Women Walk the City, join forager & herbalist Feebee Foran, artist & illustrator Eva Kelly, teacher & psychotherapist Dr Karen Ward and others for their unique perspectives on the city. Hit the streets with a series of walking tours dedicated to the unique stories and experiences of Dublin’s women past and present including the Amazing Women in Irish Historyand others.
Imbolc Fair
On Sunday 5th February from 12:00 – 16:00, all are welcome as Meeting House Square is transformed into an Imbolc Village, celebrating the spirit of the Celtic goddess Brigit and welcoming the Spring with an array of activities for all ages. In honour of Brigit as a patron of poetry, pop in for a chat with our resident poet Osaro who will help you craft your very own, one-of-a-kind poetic masterpiece. Drop into a body painting workshop, learn about the art of blacksmithing, join in a wise women’s weaving circle, connect to your inner goddess with an Imbolc Tarot reading and much more to discover on the day.
Celebrate Through Sound & Sight – Projections and Performances
To honour Brigit through song and music, Hugh Lane Gallery will be staying open late and celebrating with an evening of new performances with their ‘Leave the Door Open’concert, hosted by artist Isadora Epstein alongside musicians and artists such as Aisling-ór níAodha, Stéphane Béna Hanly, Róisín ní Haicéid, and Meabh McKenna. And throughout the week, drop by Barnardos Square after dark to take in a mesmerising illustration and light projection designed by Irish illustrator Bronagh Lee from Wed 1 – Mon 6 February. Plus, on Sunday Feb 5th evening, gather round for an unmissable aerial performance inspired by Bronagh’s artwork with music by Irish multidisciplinary composer Ellen King aka ELLL.
Listen & Learn – Film and Literature
For the literature buffs, join host Róisín Ingle for a devious discussion with authors Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick who will illuminate the dark side of life as an Irish female emigrant with stories from their new book – ‘Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women’ (Wed 1 Feb). Or tune in online for an informative discussion on A New View of Palestine showcasing four short films followed by a Q&A with Ms. Manal Dasouqi, Director General of Trade at the Ministry of National Economy, State of Palestine.
Create & Connect – Workshops & Meetups
If you’re looking for something completely different, a ‘Create Your Own Boob Pots’ workshop will take place on Friday 3rd of February, where participants will be able to create their very own unique pot out of clay in under two hours – no experience necessary. If sewing is more your scene, Dublin Sewcial Club are hosting a free meet-up on February 1st for those interested in meeting other stitchers and sharing ideas – all skill levels and techniques welcome.
Details and bookings for all events are on https://dublin.ie/whats-on/brigit/