St. Brigid's Shrine

Saint Brigid's Shrine at Faughart is a place of tranquil beauty that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.  Devoted to one of our national patrons, the site is of ancient origin and would seem to have begun during her lifetime. According to tradition, Brigid was born at Fochard Muirtheimne, a few miles north of Dundalk about 450 AD. The place was later known as Fochard Bríde.

Brigid took the veil in her youth from St. Macaille at Croghan and was probably professed by St. Mel of Armagh, who is believed to have conferred abbatial authority on her.  She died at Kildare on February 1^st (which is now her feast day) and is buried at Downpatrick with St. Columba and St. Patrick, with whom she is the patron of Ireland.  

It is a tradition to make St. Brigids Crosses on her feast day, and many rituals are associated with the making of the crosses.  It's believed that a St. Brigid's Cross protects the house from fire and evil. They are hung in many kitchens for this purpose.