Kildare set to welcome thousands of visitors for Brigid 2026 – Spirit of Kildare Festival

Kildare is set to welcome thousands of visitors as Brigid 2026 – Spirit of Kildare Festival returns, offering a vibrant programme of free family events, performances and cultural experiences taking place across the county from Thursday, January 29 to Monday, February 2.

Proudly delivered by Kildare County Council, Brigid 2026 celebrates the legacy of St. Brigid through a county-wide programme of events, with children and families placed at the centre of the festival experience.

The festival invites both local communities and visitors to engage with Kildare’s heritage, while recognising St. Brigid’s importance in Irish culture and beyond. The 2026 programme will run across five days and will feature a mix of performances, talks and family friendly events designed to mark the start of the year with creativity, culture and community.

On January 30, the family programme gets underway with Baby Céilí at Cruinniú Chill Dara, offering a relaxed and welcoming introduction to traditional music and movement for younger children and their families.

On January 31, families can enjoy Bee is for Bríd with the Green Grannies at Cruinniú Chill Dara, a playful and educational event celebrating sustainability, creativity and the story of St. Brigid, alongside a sustainable bee costume workshop.

That evening, Fireside Stories with Volkidana will take place in Maynooth, bringing folklore to life through a visually striking blend of aerial performance, puppetry and storytelling, with shows at 7pm and 8pm. A relaxed performance will also take place at 6pm, featuring lower sound and lighting, along with sensory supports, reflecting Maynooth’s status as an autism-friendly town and ensuring an inclusive and welcoming experience.

On February 1, younger audiences will be invited to sing and dance at the Taylor Swift Party at Cruinniú Chill Dara, while later that day Carrying Her Flame will take place in Kildare Town, a powerful outdoor procession marking the return of the light and the seasonal shift from winter to spring.

On February 2, Brigid 2026 will place a spotlight on Irish language culture with a series of flagship Gaeilge events taking place across the county. Highlights include How to Gael at Cruinniú Chill Dara, a lively celebration of Irish language and culture, alongside a special concert by legendary traditional band Altan, marking a major moment in the festival programme.

These events underline Kildare’s role as the home of Ireland’s flagship Brigid celebrations, championing the Irish
language as a shared cultural experience.

Earlier that day, Joe the Magician Beo will entertain younger audiences at Cruinniú Chill Dara with a high energy magic show for children and families, rounding out the festival’s family friendly programme.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said: “Brigid 2026 is about bringing people together through culture, creativity and shared experience. This year’s programme places a strong focus on families and community, while also showcasing Kildare as the home of Ireland’s flagship Brigid celebrations. We are proud to deliver a
festival that is welcoming, accessible and rooted in the heritage of the county.”

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Alongside its extensive family offering, Brigid 2026 – Spirit of Kildare Festival will also feature a county-wide programme of music, live conversation and performance, with leading Irish and international artists taking part in concerts, talks and special events throughout the five days. This year’s ticketed concert series, the Spirit of Kildare Sessions, will see performances take place in unique venues across the county as part of the wider festival programme.

All children’s events taking place in Naas are free to attend, with advance booking required. A limited number of tickets remain available for selected concerts and live events across the festival.

Full programme details, booking information and updates are available at www.spiritofbrigid.ie.