Today is the feast day of St. Brigid, the patron saint of County Kildare, where we are based and it is also a day we celebrate the coming of Spring.  Some of us are getting ready to exhibit in the Kilteel St. Brigid’s Arts Weekend which is taking place from Friday, 3rd February to Sunday, 5th February in the community hall in Kilteel, a small village in rolling countryside but just 5 minutes from the N7.

The art exhibition opens at 8 p.m. on Friday night, with a wine reception and harp music, and runs until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

A section of ‘Coastline’ by Catherine Dowling 

On Saturday there will be workshops, recitals, traditional music sessions, singing and an outdoor fire ceremony with bodhrans and djembe drumming.   There is a tea rooms serving home made goodies on vintage china during the day.

On Saturday night and Sunday there will be someone to help you make a St. Brigid’s Cross out of local rushes – the tradition is that it will keep fire away from your home and you burn your old cross in the fire once your new cross is made!

Sunday morning will see local children perform songs and recitations to welcome the start of spring and there will be homemade cakes and breads, spring window boxes and crafts for sale.  Ceili dancing to live music will follow in the afternoon.

For full information go to the Facebook page:  Kilteel St. Brigid’s Arts Weekend.

Happy St. Brigid’s Day everyone and welcome Spring!!