A St. Brigid's day display in the village of Kilmyshall, Co. Wexford on Sunday. (Photograph Nick Bradshaw / The Irish Times)The St Brigid’s bank holiday celebrations this weekend mark the fifth year of invoking the Celtic goddess and Christian saint to mark women’s contributions to Irish culture and society and herald the arrival of Spring. Scholars have long debated the evidence of Brigid’s existence, or whether she represents an interpretation of a myth, or a cult absorbed into the Christian faith. She was promoted by Maud Gonne and Inghinidhe na Éireann (Daughters of Erin), the nationalist women’s movement, over 125 years ago. Dublin city council is promising the city’s streets this weekend will “Awaken with Art, Myth and Women’s Power.” People there, and elsewhere can find the Brigid that fits their purpose.

Source: The Irish Times February 01, 2026 23:35 UTC