St Brigid’s Day
Lá Fhéile Bhríde, or St Brigid’s Day, is coming up on February 1st, marking the moment when winter loosens her grip. On Ireland’s newest bank holiday weekend, what better way to celebrate than to discover local walks and wells that commemorate St Brigid in the midlands.
In Celtic times, holy wells were visited, songs were sung, Brigid’s crosses were made, a bed of reeds was laid for Brigid to rest in, potatoes and butter were shared, ashes from the fire were raked smooth, and people dressed up, sometimes in straw hats or as Brigid herself. Here are some of the places to visit in the Midlands.
The Hill of Uisneach, Westmeath
On St Brigid’s Day on Saturday between 11am and 1pm, a small fire will be lit on the Summit where you can lay your intentions, share stories and sing songs on the Hill of Uisneach.
Date: Saturday, 1st February
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Where: Hill of Uisneach N91 R6C9
There will be a cosy fire and warm drinks afterwards at the Visitor Centre for everyone
Book here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/uisneachmanagement/items/604220/availability/1972609789/book/
Croghan Hill, Offaly
St Brigid visited Croghan Hill to ask Macaille to admit her into religious life. You’ll also find a well dedicated to St Brigid close by. The hill is 234 metres high, and the climb itself is short but steep – so a moderate fitness level is required. It takes about 20 minutes each way. A trail will lead you to the top, where you can take in remarkable panoramic views across the countryside, with patchworks of fields and bogland set against mountain backdrops. At the summit, you’ll also find a beautiful monument which was recently erected, with four panels depicting St Patrick, St Brigid, the volcanic eruption that created the hill, and the Old Croghan Man.
St Brigid’s Well, Cullion, Westmeath
The ancient spring at Cullion in Westmeath is a place of celebration to the Celtic Goddess Brigid during the Celtic festival marking the beginning of spring.
A mass takes place here on St Brigid’s Day, 1st February, each year. There is a small chapel facing the well, and a circular walk takes you by a series of stone plaques or stations leading to the spring.
St Brigid’s Well in Ardagh, Longford
A renowned holy well dedicated to St Brigid, who is said to have visited the area before founding her monastery at Kildare. Folklore recounts her dropping hot coals here, causing the spring to emerge. It attracts pilgrims seeking blessings and healing, blending devotion to one of Ireland’s patron saints with traditions of sacred waters.
A place of pilgrimage known for cures, especially around her feast day on February 1st. There are two large whitethorn bushes growing at the well with many offerings, including cloth and beads.
People come to the water of this well to help cure sores, warts, and toothache.
Location: The well is situated near Ardagh village in County Longford, a region strongly associated with St. Brigid.
Portlaoise Jazz Festival relaunch
Although not related to Saint Brigid, Portlaoise has taken advantage of the new bank holiday weekend to relaunch the Jazz Festival. The historic Portlaoise Jazz Festival is back for the first time in almost 30 years, kicking off on Friday, 30th of January, and running until Sunday, 1st of February, 2026. The festival will take place across over 20 venues around the town, with 40 acts taking to the stage over the 3 days.
For the full schedule and list of participating venues, visit https://portlaoisejazzfest.ie/.
