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Birthplace of Brigid

Updated: 3 days ago

Where

Faughart Co. Louth

Image Gallery



Explore the Birthplace and Legacy of St. Brigid


Born at sunrise, 452, in Faughart, just outside Dundalk, St. Brigid’s story is intricately woven into the fabric of Louth’s history. Her life, characterized by healing, fertility, poetry, and care for the land, is beautifully linked to the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who embodies wisdom and rebirth. Growing up on her father’s farm in Faughart, she developed a profound respect for nature and the world around her. Brigid’s life is closely linked to Imbolc, the ancient Celtic festival marking the return of light, the promise of spring, and the renewal of land and spirit.


Discover Brigid’s Sacred Landscape in Faughart

Visitors can embark on a spiritual journey to the ancient site of Faughart, home to St. Brigid’s Shrine and Holy Well, a place of pilgrimage for centuries. In 1934, Cardinal Mac Rory declared Faughart the National Shrine of St. Brigid for all of Ireland, solidifying its significance as a site of tranquil beauty and reflection. The shrine is home to Sruth Bhríde (St. Brigid’s Stream), modern and ancient Stations of the Cross, and healing stones that are revered for their sacred powers.


Adding a modern touch to this ancient legacy, visual artist Friz has depicted Brigid as both Goddess and Saint in a striking mural created for the EPSO Urban Arts Festival in Dundalk. This artwork bridges Brigid’s ancient heritage with Louth’s vibrant modern culture.


Events to Celebrate St. Brigid’s Day 2026

Throughout late January and February, Louth will host a programme of events celebrating Brigid’s legacy, including:


Sat 31 Jan | 6.30pm | St. Brigid’s Shrine, Faughart | 1 km walk

Hosted by the Faughart Community Group, this ancient-style candlelit procession begins at St. Brigid’s Shrine and walks to Faughart graveyard, led by robed figures and a lone drummer. Open to people of all faiths and none, the evening concludes at the Hill of Faughart with fire on the motte, candlelit ruins, chant, incense and music, including an uilleann piper, a powerful communal tribute to Brigid as saint, goddess and local woman.


St. Brigid Exhibition

Running from the end of January through to mid-February | County Museum, Dundalk | Free Admission

A celebration of one of Ireland’s greatest saints, the exhibition highlights her roots in both pagan and Christian traditions and presents the Faughart born saint as a figure relevant to the times we live in. The exhibition features examples of her various crosses, as well as the importance of her birthplace as a place of pilgrimage. It also showcases how her cross has been used in organisations as diverse as RTE, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (formerly An Bord Altranais), and the GAA.


The County Museum will host three St. Brigid cross-making workshops on Sunday 1st February commencing at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. These classes will be open to adults and children alike. Participation is free but prior booking is essential. Bookings can be made by contacting the Museum at 042 93 92 999 (numbers are limited).


Live Shows: Sun 1 Feb & Mon 2 Feb| 6.00pm, 6.20pm, 6.40pm & 7.00pm | Market Square, Dundalk

This multisensory light installation will transform Dundalk’s Market Square with a striking light display choreographed to music, weaving together Brigid’s history, symbolism and spiritual resonance using cutting-edge lighting technology.


Wed 4 Feb | 6pm | An Táin Arts Centre (Bó Studios)

Join artist Úna Curley for a hands-on workshop exploring the ancient craft of crios belt weaving, often associated with weddings and rites of passage.


Brigid of Faughart Festival

Celebrating Brigid of Faughart as both saint and pre-Christian goddess, this festival is rooted in her birthplace and the enduring power of her story. This year's events includes:


Sat 31 Jan | 11am–1pm | An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk

Learn to weave the iconic Brigid’s Cross and Crios Bríd (Brigid’s Belt) while sharing stories and traditions with Roisin Cotter and Maura Lennon.


Sun 1 Feb | 10am–2pm | Hill of Faughart to Dundalk (12.8km)

The opening walk of Brigid’s Way Celtic Pilgrimage, beginning at St. Brigid’s Holy Well and travelling through her shrine, ancient stones, Kilcurry and Toberona, before finishing at Brigid’s stream at Lisnawilly Estate, Dundalk. Includes ritual, a Brigid Water Blessing and storytelling exploring Brigid’s myths, legends and local history. Guided by Dr Karen Ward and eco-artist Siobhán Madden.


Sun 1 Feb | 2.30–4.30pm | Wellington Hall, St. Mary’s Road, Dundalk

Join Stephanie O’Hanlon for a welcoming dance circle celebrating Imbolc and St. Brigid, featuring simple, lively and meditative dances set to uplifting music. No experience or partner required.


Mon 2 Feb | 11am–1pm | 1km guided walk

Guided by Roisin Cotter, this walk explores Faughart’s sacred landscape from the Hill of Faughart to St. Brigid’s Shrine, highlighting its significance from pre-Christian times to the present day.


Sun 25 Jan – Sun 2 Feb | Cooley Peninsula

Féile na Tána returns to Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula, celebrating the very best of Irish traditional music, song and dance across a range of intimate venues at the foot of the Cooley Mountains. Now in its 12th year, the festival is programmed by acclaimed local violinist Zoë Conway and guitarist John McIntyre, and presents a rich programme of world-class concerts, workshops and sessions. Audiences can enjoy traditional music, singing and dancing led by some of Ireland’s finest artists.


Fri 23 Jan | St. Josephs Church, Castletown, Dundalk

Join renowned folk singer, storyteller and talented musician Seán Keane for a night of song & music at the 'Daughter of Faughart' concert at 8pm (Doors open at 7.30pm).


Sat 24 Jan | Blackrock Beach, Co. Louth

Creative Spark presents this day-long workshop led by photographer Maria McSweeney where ecology, landscape and analogue photography meet. Participants will forage local seaweed, create collaborative lumen prints, and shoot and develop 35mm black-and-white film using non-toxic, seaweed-based developers in an open-air darkroom by the sea.


Work created will be showcased in a Brigid’s Day exhibition at the Creative Spark Downtown Hub, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk launching Thursday 29 January at 7pm.


Fri 30 Jan - Sun 1 Feb | Carlingford Yoga, Eagles Rock Retreat, Riverstown, Dundalk

As we approach ‘Imbolc’, the time that the Earth starts quietly awakening from its winter sleep, and the promise of Spring is in the air, let Carlingford Yoga look after all your needs so that you can delve deeper into your inner stillness. Enjoy transformative yoga tuition, nourishing plant based meals, stunning guided walks and feel renewed, deeply relaxed and ready for the year ahead. Included will be a session of weaving St. Bridget’s crosses, while listening to stories and songs from a beautiful local singer Evelyne Bourton on Saturday afternoon.


Step into the stories, street art, and hidden gems of Dundalk on this special edition EPSO Walking Tour. This fascinating 90-minute tour includes a visit to the famous Brigid of Faughart mural, created by renowned Irish artist Friz, which celebrates Brigid, Goddess and Saint, in all her radiant glory using vibrant symbols that honour her enduring spirit. The tour is a great way to learn more about Brigid and her connection to county Louth, as well as all the artists and their techniques as you discover the history and stories behind the murals they have created!


Brigid’s Trail Map & Guide

Visitors can explore Brigid’s story at their own pace using the Brigid’s Trail Map & Guide, highlighting key sites including St. Brigid’s Shrine and Holy Well in Faughart and the striking Brigid of Faughart mural by visual artist Friz on Bridge Street, Dundalk.


Plan Your Visit

Now a national public holiday, St. Brigid’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to experience Louth, the birthplace of Brigid. Whether seeking spiritual reflection, cultural discovery or meaningful connection with Ireland’s ancient traditions, visitors are invited to walk the landscape where Brigid’s story began.


Further events to be announced. Full details of all events, can be found here.

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