As of this year, there is a new bank holiday waiting for us at the beginning of February. Want to make some plans? Here are some events happening across the country
Usually, St Brigid’s Day takes place on the 1 February, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. This year however, St Brigid’s Day will become a bank holiday, putting her up there with St Patrick. The 6 February is the new date to honour the Celtic goddess and with plenty to see and do across the country, her legacy will be celebrated in style. Below are events happening across the country on this upcoming bank holiday.
Into Kildare, the Tourism Board for County Kildare and Solas Bhríde Centre & Hermitages have launched a global campaign calling for peace in our war-torn world. Though this is not taking place on the new bank holiday, this minutes silence at 12pm is on the 1 February, the original celebration day of St Brigid.
Dublin Racing Festival
Join the many participants of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopards Town Race Course on the 4 and 5 February. Packed with music, fashion, food and jump racing, it is set to be a fun weekend for all. For more information on how to book your stylish weekend away at the races, visit leopardstown.com.
The Moth and Butterfly International Festival of Storytelling
Taking place from the 3 to 5 February, the Moth and Butterfly International Festival of Storytelling is a beautiful cultural event in Galway City. Funded by The Arts Council of Ireland and Galway City Council, this now fully live event has run since 2012 with the 2020 and 2021 festivals running as hybrid events. For more information and the full line up, visit mothandbutterflystories.com.
Speed Dating
If you’re between the ages of 32 to 44 and looking for love, Lotts Café in Dublin City is hosting a speed dating event at 7pm Monday 6 February. Whether you’re searching for something serious or just wanting to meet some new people, this feel-good event will have something or someone to fit your needs. Tickets are from €36.84 and can be booked on eventbrite.com.
Festival honouring Celtic goddess Brigit
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. Find out more here.