The festival, taking place over the first week of February, celebrates Irish women and their achievements
As Ireland approaches its first-ever Bank Holiday weekend in St Brigid’s name (the country’s first public holiday named after a woman), a special festival celebrating the contributions and achievements of women past and present is set to return.
Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women is billed as even bigger and better than last year’s inaugural festival, running from Wednesday 1st of February (St. Brigid’s Day) until Monday 6th of February. Led by Dublin City Council, it includes a city-wide programme highlighting the stories of Irish women through the ages and promoting their immense contribution to our society.
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, there will be inspiring tours, insightful talks, workshops, exhibitions and performances. Brigit shares her name with the Christian St Brigid; St Brigid’s Day is associated with both figures.
One specially curated series is Women Walk The City, a walking tour with forager and herbalist Feebee Foran, artist & illustrator Eva Kelly, teacher and psychotherapist Dr Karen Ward and others for their unique perspectives on the city, while to honour Brigit through song and music, Hugh Lane Gallery will be staying open late for its ‘Leave the Door Open’ concert, featuring artists like Aisling-ór níAodha, Stéphane Béna Hanly, Róisín ní Haicéid, and Meabh McKenna.
For the literature buffs, Róisín Ingle will host a discussion with authors Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick on 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’. 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 Your Own Boob Pots’ clay workshops will be taking place for those looking for something a little different and creative, while Dublin Sewcial Club are hosting a free meet-up on for those interested in meeting other stitchers.
On Sunday 5th February, Meeting House Square will be transformed into an Imbolc Village, celebrating the spirit of 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 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.
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. On the evening of Sunday 5th February, gather round for an unmissable aerial performance inspired by Bronagh’s artwork with music by Irish multidisciplinary composer Ellen King aka ELLL.
For more details, and specific dates and timings, click to dublin.ie/whats-on/brigit/.
