Ireland’s largest St Brigid's festival set to light up Kildare

Eva Osborne

Kildare is gearing up to welcome over 100,000 visitors this January and February as the Brigid 2025 - Spirit of Kildare Festival prepares to celebrate the legacy of Ireland’s iconic female patron saint, whose history is deeply rooted in the county.

Running until February 3rd, this coming year’s festival combines intimate concerts, large-scale events, and a series of community activities that honour Brigid’s enduring legacy through the theme "Her Spirit, Our Story".

The Brigid 2025 - Spirit of Kildare Festival is an inclusive celebration that invites locals and visitors alike to engage with Kildare’s rich heritage.

It highlights St. Brigid’s significance not only in Irish culture but also in global conversations about empowerment, the arts, and the environment.

Proudly delivered by Kildare County Council, the festival programme features a host of free public events alongside a series of ticketed performances by leading artists curated in collaboration with Hot Press.

[caption id="attachment_1723127" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (L-R) Holly Lane McBride (6) and Eabha O'Brien (5) from Kildare mark the launch of the Spirit of Kildare Festival in Kildare Town. Photo: Gareth Chaney[/caption]

Organisers say Brigid 2025 promises to be an unmissable celebration for all ages, with highlights including family fun days, wellness activities, storytelling sessions, music performances, and sports demonstrations.

Commenting on the upcoming festival, Chief executive of Kildare County Council, Sonya Kavanagh, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome visitors from across the country and beyond to experience everything this festival has to offer.

"Brigid 2025 is a unique opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kildare, with a programme that blends intimate performances, large-scale public celebrations, and a series of community-focused events.”