To Be Irish returns on St Brigid’s Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde), with a month’s long programme comprising online and in-person events around the world and across Ireland celebrating leadership, creativity, and the talent of women.
St Brigid’s Day, which is celebrated on 1 February each year, marks the first day of spring in the Gaelic calendar, and the beginning of the end of the cold, dark days experienced throughout the winter.
More than 75 events have been planned globally to celebrate St Brigid’s Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde), Ireland’s only female patron saint.
Some highlights from across the 20+ countries include webinars featuring trail-blazing Irish women who have helped shaped the world; classical and traditional music concerts; art exhibitions; artisan workshops; literary discussions and much more.
In Australia, the public is welcome to join the Canberra Irish Club in person for some Irish culture inspired by the legends of the goddess Brigid and St Brigid of Kildare and celebrate Mná n hÉireann, the Women of Ireland, with food, music, song, and dance.
Tickets start at $20 and the event dates are:
- 28 – 30 Jan: St Brigid’s Festival at the Embassy of Ireland, Fremantle, WA
- 1 Feb: Lá Fhéile Bríde, St Brigid’s Day at the Canberra Irish Club, ACT
- 20 Feb: BrigidFest, Féile Bríde at the Embassy of Ireland, Melbourne, VIC
“I am delighted to launch the ‘To Be Irish on St Brigid’s Day’ initiative – honouring the contributions of trail-blazing women to our diaspora, to Ireland and to the world,” said Colm Brophy, T.D., Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora.
“This is the first year that we are taking this programme online – to share the amazing performances, seminars and other discussions which take place at Irish Embassies and Consulates at this time of year and to connect these with inspiring Brigid’s Day events taking place here in Ireland.”
Submissions are open to women around the world with a connection to Ireland to share their stories or join the conversation using the hashtags #ExtraordinaryStories #ToBeIrish #StBrigidsDay.
Organisations that wish to register their event on the To Be Irish platform, can do so here.
Click here to view the full list of events and here to find out more about Ireland.