A visit to one of our three 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.
To read more, visit our webpage St Brigid's Day Traditions.
What's on at Kildare Street for St Brigid's Weekend
Saturday, 31 January 2026 | 13:00 & 15:30 | Adults and Families
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
To mark St. Brigid's Day, join a special guided tour about the artefacts and shrines connected to the patron saints of Ireland and how Christianity influenced the development of writing.
Friday, 30 January | 12:30 -13:30 | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Learn about the development of art in Ireland from the Stone Age to Early Medieval Ireland. See megalithic art from the Stone Age on the replica passage tomb, discover the techniques in gold of Bronze Age metalworkers on the lunulae and sun discs, learn about the influence of the Iron Age art style, La Tène, and its impact into Early Medieval Ireland on objects including the Ardagh Chalice and the 'Tara' Brooch.
Saturday, 31 January | 14:00 - 16:00 | Families
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
During this handling workshop, discover replicas of jet crosses from Yorkshire, early medieval leather shoes, and brooches for cloaks and clothes. Take part in some relaxing colouring activities, read through our many books about archaeology, and make sure to explore the Museum's galleries afterwards.
During opening hours from Friday 30 of January to Monday 2 of February | Children Age 8+
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Pick up our activity booklet 'Irish Saints, Stories and Scribes' and travel through the Treasury and Medieval Ireland exhibitions at the Museum to discover the objects connected to our patron saints, St. Patrick, St. Brigid and St. Colmcille. Fill in the questions and complete the activities in this activity booklet as you roam through the Museum and learn about the lives of saints in early medieval and medieval Ireland.
Online Talk: Reinterpreting the Shrine of St. Brigid’s Shoe
This is a life-size brass shoe from Loughrea, Co. Galway. Despite its frequent mention in studies and illustrations of the saint, this intriguing artefact has long been misunderstood. In this lecture, Cormac Bourke, a leading expert in early medieval metalwork, presents fresh insights based on new research on the shoe. Bourke will explore the shoe's origins and detailing, how it belongs to the early 18th century and not the end of the middles ages as previously believed, and how it was probably never used to house a relic. This is a unique opportunity to learn about an important object that sheds light on faith, memory, and politics, particularly in the era of the Penal Laws and into 18th century Ireland.
What's on at Turlough Park for St Brigid's Weekend
Saturday, 31 January 2026 | 12:00 to 13:00 | Suitable for adults and children aged 12+ | Booking required
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Join Clodagh Doyle, Keeper of the Irish Folklife Collection, to learn how the National Museum of Ireland has the largest collection of objects associated with the celebration of St Brigid's feastday. In the Irish Folklife Collection, there are over 300 crosses from all over Ireland, created in different styles and materials. There are also Brídeoga (dolls representing the saint), Biddy Boy costumes and brat Bríde (fabric strips). The objects reflect the devotion to St Brigid and the seeking of her protection. Besides being a popular name for girls, throughout the country, there are placenames, holy wells dedicated to her, as are schools, hospitals and GAA clubs. Learn about Ireland's devotion to St Brigid in this curator's talk. Booking required.
Saturday, 31 January 2026 | 14:00 & 15:30 | Adults and Children
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Join one of the Museum's educators to learn how to make your own St. Brigid's Cross using the methods which have been handed down from previous generations.
What's on at Collins Barracks for St Brigid's Weekend
Saturday, 31 January - Sunday, 1 February 2026, Adults and Families
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Celebrate St. Brigid’s Weekend at Collins Barracks on 31 January and 1 February 2026 with a range of free events as part of the Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women festival. Enjoy special tours such as Revolutionary Women, exploring women’s roles in Ireland’s revolutionary past; Symbols of Ireland, uncovering iconic national symbols; and The Way We Wore, highlighting how clothing reflects social change. Families can also take part in Museum in Bloom, a fun, puzzle-filled activity trail. No booking is required, but spaces are limited.
Saturday, 31 January | 11:00 - 13:00 | Families
Dead Zoo Lab, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 2
Drop into the Discovery Zone in the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks this January. Bring the family along and join a short activity to learn more about nature.
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Celebrate the St Brigid's Bank Holiday Weekend with Synge & Byrne at Turlough Park & Collins Barracks
After a visit to the museum galleries, take time to unwind with friends and family at Synge and Byrne, where tasty treats and hot drinks are served in a welcoming setting at Turlough Park and Collins Barracks.
During the St Brigid's Bank Holiday Weekend, visit the Museum Shops at Turlough Park, Collins Barracks, and Kildare Street and explore a wide selection of books celebrating Ireland’s saints and heritage, alongside unique handcrafted items inspired by medieval script and illuminated manuscripts. These pieces capture the richness of Ireland’s cultural and artistic traditions, making them ideal gifts for loved ones or memorable keepsakes to take home. We look forward to welcoming you.
Online resources to explore and enjoy throughout the St Brigid's Bank Holiday Weekend
Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland