I am delighted to be running a series of seven linked creative writing workshops focusing on Brigid in Kildare Town Library from February to October 2023. Writing Our Way To Brigit/Brigid invites participants to explore, through writing and discussion, what Brigit/Brigid means to them. Participants will have the opportunity to read/perform their work as part of the Kildare Readers Festival in October (KRF 2023).
Image of Brídeog (Brigid Doll) against a large Rosemary Bush. Brídeog is made of hay, wearing a white cloak and yellow dress made from cotton material. (c) Shauna Gilligan
This year as well as giving a series of workshops focused on Brigid as part of Brigid 1500, I am attending numerous Brigid events.
On Saturday 28th, I attended Brigit of Ireland: Icon for Today, in Trinity College Dublin (TCD) which was a wonderful day of events devised by Woman Spirit Ireland (Dr Mary Condren, Director) and opened by Dr Catherine Lawless, Director of the Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies (TCD). It was great to talk to fellow Brigid enthusiasts as well as hear the latest in historical and folkloric studies. Lectures and presentations included linking place and context, Dr Edel Breathnach and placenames as well as customs, Séamas Ó Catháín who also launched his book The Festival of Brigit. I’m very much looking forward to diving in!
Part of the day invited participants to create a brídeog, the process of which I most thoroughly enjoyed – guided by the ever patient poet Ruth Marshall. I’ve brought my brídeog to the garden (see photo above), and around the house, where she now sits, facing the front door (photo below).
I am very much looking forward to attending many more events (most of which are free and open to all) and encourage you to do the same:
In the spirit of Brigid, Lá Fheile Bríd, Peacful Imbolc….And don’t forget that Kildare calls for a Pause for Peace across the world at 12 mid-day your local timeon Tuesday, 1st February 2023.
IMAGE FOR WORKSHOP 1: Brigid and Heritage – sense of place
I am very much looking forward to working with writers and artists on Saturday 9th October exploring Brigid and our sense of place at 2pm and Brigid and the Sacred Feminine at 7pm.
Both workshops are fully booked and have a waiting list.
Margo McNulty and I would like to thank everyone for engaging with our collaborative endeavour Mantles (Funded by Creative Ireland/ Kildare County Council/Roscommon County Council)
IMAGE FOR WORKSHOP 2: Brigid and the Sacred Feminine
Shauna Gilligan Writer 