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 Turlough Park
12:00 to 13:00 | Saturday, 31 January 2026 | 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.
14:00 & 15:30 | Saturday, 31 January 2026 | 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
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.
What's on at Kildare Street
13:00 & 15:30 | Saturday, 31 January 2026 | 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.
During opening hours from Friday 31st of January to Monday 2nd 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.
Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland