A visit to one of our four 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.
Here is our top ten activities for you and your family to enjoy in the lead up to St Brigid's Day. Admission is free and no booking is required.
To read more, visit our webpage St Brigid's Day Traditions.
1. LEARN: St Brigid and the Irish Folklife Collection
2pm and 3pm, Saturday and Sunday, 3 and 4 February. All ages
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
There will be free guided tours of the Irish Folklife Collection at 2pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, 3 and 4 February, with a focus on objects, customs and traditions associated with St. Brigid. This is a free event, suitable for all ages. No booking required. FIND OUT MORE
2. VISIT: Life in the Community exhibition
During Museum Opening Hours
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Explore how rural and traditional Irish communities celebrated seasonal festivals with traditional crafts and practices. FIND OUT MORE
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3. WEAVE: St. Brigid's Circle of Life Badge
2pm to 4pm, Sunday, 4 February 2024
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Join artist Gabi McGrath in the Museum’s Irish Country Furniture gallery for this free drop-in family weaving workshop to celebrate the start of spring. Suitable for families ages 5+. FIND OUT MORE
4. TAKE AN ACTIVITY TRAIL: Museum in Bloom
During Museum Opening Hours, 3 to 5 February 2024
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
The first day of spring brings the earth back to life after a long winter. To celebrate the beginning of the season of budding flowers and leaping lambs, pick up a copy of our Museum in Bloom activity trail to solve floral word scrambles, riddles, and more. FIND OUT MORE
5. TAKE A GUIDED TOUR: The Saints and Scholars of Ireland
Selected times, 3 to 5 February 2024
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 1
Join us to discover the artefacts associated with the patron saints of Ireland, St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Colmcille, and see what archaeological evidence can tell us about the impact of Christianity to Ireland and which objects demonstrate the development of writing techniques. FIND OUT MORE
6. ENJOY AN ONLINE ACTIVITY: Spring with the Dead Zoo
Online Activity throughout the month of February
National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2
This spring, test your natural history knowledge, complete a virtual quiz, learn the songs of Ireland's most common birds, and test your searching skills with our spring themed word searches, all from the comfort of your own home. FIND OUT MORE
7. READ: 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
8. VIEW - 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
9. COLOUR: St. Brigid and her Shoe Shrine
Download and print out colouring sheets of St. Brigid's Shoe Shrine to design and decorate your own shrine at home. DOWNLOAD HERE
10. WATCH: St. Brigid - a festival about fertility, protection and blessings
Clodagh Doyle, Keeper of the Irish Folklife Division, gives an introduction to St Brigid’s Day, an Irish festival which signalled the first day of spring in folk tradition. It was a time when people looked to St Brigid for blessings, protection and fertility for the year ahead.