Join a local festival for a series of Free family events from 31st January – 3rd February. This is the 6th year of the Lá Fhéile Bríde Festival in Clondalkin, which celebrates Brigid, Celtic Goddess, Saint and Imbolc, the arrival of Spring. The festival will feature a host of family friendly events including storytelling, traditional craft-making workshops, a lively parade through the village, and a pilgrimage culminating at St. Brigid’s Well.
Clondalkin is deeply connected to the legend of St. Brigid through the Well which is located on the Boot Road. It is one of only 15 wells founded by St. Brigid in Ireland during the 5th century. The Well continues to serve as a significant spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting pilgrims and visitors from across the country and beyond. The festival officially launches on Friday 31st of January with a fire display from the spectacular Tornaido and the Fire & Light Fairy who will light up Brú Chrónáin Visitor Centre at the Round Tower Garden, with a fire performance and dramatisation of the story of Brigid. They will be joined by singer and musician Seán Mulrooney, for a live music performance.
On Sunday 2nd of February, the events will have a fun dress up parade through the streets of Clondalkin village. They are delighted to be joined by the Mummers of Fingal who will lead us in song and dance on the route along with newly formed Clondalkin Mummers Cleanmairí Chluain Dolcáin and the talented St. Joseph’s Pipe Band. Aras Chrónáin will host a series of workshops on the day including My Brat Bhride – Brigid’s Cloak Workshop, St. Brigid’s Cross making with Mervyn Ennis and a Bridog Doll making workshop.
The festival culminates on Monday 3rd of February, with a pilgrimage walk guided by Dr. Karen Ward of Moon Mná from the Sanctuary Holistic Centre, Stanhope Street, to St Brigid’s Well, Clondalkin. A fire and water ritual led by Dr. Karen Ward and Oein DeBhairduin will be held at the well where they will be joined by musicians and speakers. Events continue during the day at the Round Tower GAA Club, Convent Road, with a St. Brigid’s cross making workshop from Gay Allen and a recounting of enchanting stories of Brigid by Candlelit Tales.
Chief organiser of the event Caitriona Leavey commented ahead of the launch “This is the sixth year of the festival in Clondalkin and it is going from strength to strength. We are keeping the tradition of St Brigid alive in the community whilst also celebrating the Celtic festival of Imbolc. The Lá Fhéile Bríde Festival Clondalkin is a cultural event that is free to all to join. We hope to encourage the local people in Clondalkin to get involved and be proud of our link to St. Brigid”
This family friendly weekend is Free of charge and all are welcome.
