A visit to one of our three Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo is a must to learn and discover more about the history and traditions associated with Brigid - the ancient goddess of Imbolc and the Christian patron saint of Ireland.
From shoe shrines to straw crosses, we have a full and varied programme of workshops, drop-in sessions and tours showcasing the many artefacts, traditions and rituals associated with and dedicated to St Brigid.
The National Museum of Ireland located at Merrion Street, also known as the 'Dead Zoo', closed on 2 September 2024, so a visit this St Brigid's Bank Holiday is not possible. However, you can still explore the fascinating Natural History Collections through various online activities, such as "February Feathered Friends."
To read more, visit our webpage St Brigid's Day Traditions.
1. WORKSHOP: Make a St Brigid's Cross (BOOKING REQUIRED)
2pm and 3:30pm, Saturday, 25 January, All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Learn about St Brigid's Day customs and traditions whilst making your own St Brigid's Cross Booking Required. FIND OUT MORE
2. St Brigid's Weekend at Collins Barracks
1st to 3rd February. All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
A host of activities, tours, and trails can be found at Collins Barracks as part of the Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women festival! FIND OUT MORE
3. FAMILY STRAW WEAVING WORKSHOP with the Armagh Rhymers
1pm to 3pm, Monday 3 February. Families
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Join the Armagh Rhymers for a drop in straw weaving workshop to celebrate St. Brigid’s bank holiday weekend. Get the chance to make a Brigid cross and learn about the masked tradition of rhyming with its unique blend of music, drama, song and dance. FIND OUT MORE
4. SPRING SPECTACULAR SHOW with the Armagh Rhymers
3.30pm - 4.30pm, Monday 3 February. All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
As part of the Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women festival, join one of the most celebrated music and theatre ensembles in Ireland, the Armagh Rhymers, for a colourful family friendly performance to mark the start of Spring and learn about the traditions and rituals of Imbolc. FIND OUT MORE
5. ONLINE LECTURE: Reinterpreting the Shrine of St. Brigid’s Shoe (BOOKING REQUIRED)
Friday 31st January, 1pm, Adults
Join Cormac Bourke for an engaging online lecture that delves into one of the National Museum of Ireland's lesser-known treasures; the shrine known as St. Brigid’s Shoe Shrine. Booking required. Adults. FIND OUT MORE
6. DROP IN: The Saints, Scholars, and Scribes of Ireland! Early Medieval Handling Workshop
10:30am-12:30pm, Saturday 1 February, Families
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Drop into the Learning Resource Room and find out more about the lives of people in Early Medieval Ireland. During this handling workshop, discover replicas of jet crosses from Yorkshire, early medieval leather shoes, and brooches for cloaks and clothes. FIND OUT MORE
7. TOURS: The Saints and Scholars of Ireland
Throughout the month of February
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Join a special guided tour about the artefacts and shrines connected to Irish saints and how Christianity influenced the development of writing. FIND OUT MORE
8. NATURAL HISTORY ONLINE ACTIVITY: February Feathered Friends
Throughout the month of February
Birds are one of the most muscial creatures on our island - but do you know which bird sings what song? Join our Museum Educator as she introduces you to our feathered friends and their unique songs. How many will you hear on your next walk? FIND OUT MORE
9. Exhibition: Life in the Community
During Museum Opening Hours
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Explore how rural and traditional Irish communities celebrated seasonal festivals with traditional crafts and practices. FIND OUT MORE
10. CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS: St Brigid’s Day - a weaving tradition of Celtic rituals, Christian faith and enduring folk customs
Clodagh Doyle, Keeper of the Irish Folklife Collection, outlines some the history of St Brigid's Day and associated customs and traditions. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
11. ONLINE GALLERY: A selection of St Brigid’s Crosses from the Irish Folklife Collection
There are hundreds of St Brigid’s Crosses in the Irish Folklife Collection and this selection demonstrates some of the different materials and styles that were used to craft these objects. SEE ONLINE GALLERY HERE
Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland