Where
Faughart Co. Louth
Image Gallery
Explore the Birthplace and Legacy of St. Brigid
Discover the Legacy of St. Brigid
Born at sunrise on February 1, 452, in Faughart, just outside Dundalk, St. Brigid’s story is intricately woven into the fabric of Louth’s history. Her life, characterized by healing, fertility, poetry, and care for the land, is beautifully linked to the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who embodies wisdom and rebirth. Growing up on her father’s farm in Faughart, she developed a profound respect for nature and the world around her. St. Brigid’s Day has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marked fertility, the arrival of spring, renewal, and light.
Visitors can embark on a spiritual journey to the ancient site of Faughart, home to St. Brigid’s Shrine and Well, a place of pilgrimage for centuries. In 1934, Cardinal Mac Rory declared Faughart the National Shrine of St. Brigid for all of Ireland, solidifying its significance as a site of tranquil beauty and reflection. The shrine is home to Sruth Bhríde (St. Brigid’s Stream), modern and ancient Stations of the Cross, and healing stones that are revered for their sacred powers.
Adding a modern touch to this ancient legacy, visual artist Friz has depicted Brigid as both Goddess and Saint in a striking mural created for the SEEK Urban Arts Festival in Dundalk. This artwork bridges Brigid’s ancient heritage with Louth’s vibrant modern culture.
Events to Celebrate St. Brigid’s Day
A variety of events are planned across Louth to honour St. Brigid’s enduring legacy, here is a sample of what happened in 2025
On Sunday, February 2nd, the Brigid of Faughart Community Group hosted an ancient-style candlelit procession starting at St. Brigid’s Shrine and concluding at Faughart Graveyard. Open to people of all faiths and none, the procession was led by robed figures, a lone drummer, and local schoolchildren. It culminated at the Hill of Faughart with a fire-lit motte, candlelit ruins, and Gregorian chant, honoring Brigid’s connection to County Louth and her legacy as a Celtic Goddess and Ireland’s matron saint.
The Northern Lights Celebrating Brigid at Market Square, Dundalk
the Northern Lights multisensory light performance illuminted Dundalk’s Market Square in celebration of St. Brigid. This breathtaking display, choreographed to music, intertwined historical, cultural, and spiritual elements with cutting-edge technology.
Pilgrimage Walk from The Hill of Faughart to Dundalk
On Sunday, 2nd February, pilgrims walked the Day 1 route of the Brigid's Way Celtic Pilgrimage. Starting at St. Brigid’s Holy Well on the Hill of Faughart, the route led down to St. Brigid’s Shrine and ancient stones, then through Kilcurry and Toberona, finishing with a walk through the countryside of the Lisnawilly Estate to Brigid’s Stream in Dundalk. There was ritual including a Brigid Water Blessing, storytelling of her myths and legends, and fascinating history of this wonderful part of Ireland's Ancient East.
Community-Led Celebrations:
Local groups, such as Cooley Connect Well, hosted Imbolc celebrations featuring traditional crafts, storytelling, foraging, and guided walks. These activities provided opportunities to reconnect with the natural and cultural heritage that Brigid symbolised.
Brigid’s Trail Map & Guide
For those seeking to explore Brigid’s legacy, Brigid’s Trail Map & Guide highlights key sites, including the ‘Brigid of Faughart’ mural in Dundalk, St. Brigid’s Shrine, and Holy Well in Faughart.
Plan Your Visit
St. Brigid’s Day, now a public holiday celebrated annually on the first Monday in February, is the perfect time to explore Louth, the birthplace of Ireland’s beloved saint. Whether you seek a spiritual retreat, an outdoor adventure, or a journey through rich cultural heritage, Louth has something for everyone. Discover the county's vibrant history, stunning landscapes, and connections to the life of St. Brigid, and experience why Louth is one of Ireland's most enchanting destinations. Plan Your Visit here