Kildare announces major music and cultural line up for Spirit of Brigid festival

Paul Brady, Lisa O’Neill, Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill are among the big names announced for Spirit of Brigid 2027, as Kildare prepares for six days of music, culture and celebration honouring Ireland’s only female patron saint.

Kildare County Council has revealed the headline acts and programme highlights for the annual festival, which will take place across the county from Thursday, January 28, to Tuesday, February 2, 2027.

The festival celebrates the legacy of St Brigid alongside the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, marking the beginning of springtime.

The headline performances will take place in the festival’s Spiegeltent at Áras Chill Dara in Naas, with Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill taking to the stage on Friday, January 29.

Legendary singer songwriter Paul Brady will perform on Saturday, January 30, followed by comedian Jarlath Regan on Sunday, January 31. Acclaimed folk singer Lisa O’Neill will round off the headline programme on Tuesday, February 2.

Other musical highlights include candlelight concerts at St Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare Town, where Stephen Rea and Harp Ireland will present Remembering Bunting. Internationally acclaimed soprano and Kildare native Celine Byrne will also perform at Christ Church in Celbridge on Sunday, January 31.

The wider programme will feature the Eimear Creedon Choir Collective, with performances in Celbridge and Athy, as well as a Women in Business lunch with Áine Lawlor.

Family friendly events will also feature prominently, including Brigid, Bees and Biodiversity in Athy, street spectacles in Kildare Town and Maynooth, and the Kíla Kids Show at the Spiegeltent on Monday, February 1.

One of the key events will be the return of the Pause for Peace at The Curragh Racecourse at 12 noon on Monday, February 1. People across the country named Brigid, Bríd, Bridget, Bridey or variations of the name are being invited to attend, alongside anyone with a special connection to someone named Brigid.

The gathering will feature special musical performances and a collective Pause for Peace, with free registration required for all attendees.

Further family entertainment and the Spirit of Kildare Awards will also take place at the Spiegeltent that day.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Kildare County Council, said the festival continues a journey which began with Brigid 1500.

“Spirit of Brigid 2027 continues the remarkable journey that began with Brigid 1500, bringing people together from across Kildare and beyond to celebrate Brigid’s enduring legacy,” she said.

“With an exceptional line up of artists and a rich programme of cultural and community events, this year’s festival celebrates the creativity, compassion and sense of belonging that Brigid continues to inspire.”

She added that the council looks forward to welcoming audiences of all ages to experience the music, stories and shared moments that make the celebration special.

The festival aims to celebrate Brigid’s values of creativity, compassion, equality and community, bringing together people of all ages through music, performances and cultural experiences.

Tickets and further information are available here, with additional programme announcements expected in the coming weeks.