Brigid’s Awakening Festival – Roscommon’s Newest Festival

Brigid’s awakening festival is a collaboration between Rathcroghan, Strokestown Park and Keenans of Tarmonbarry. Featuring local art, performances, and the incredible history of County Roscommon.

Roscommon’s newest festival takes place over two weekends from the 28th of January until the 5th of February with a mixture of cultural events from art exhibits, to short plays and historical talks. There will be something for everyone. The Brigid’s Awakening Festival celebrates the earliest versions of Brigid as the goddess and as the saint, that are recognised today.

As part of the Brigid’s Awakening Festival, you are invited to view a number of different pieces of visual art in Strokestown Park. Pieces from some of Roscommon’s finest female artists will be on display along with the illumination of Strokestown Park House, by HerStory, that will include the artwork from local schools and a short display of shadow puppetry. On Wednesday the 1st of February Ireland’s largest St. Brigid’s cross will be unveiled at the bridge in Tarmonbarry. The Connacht cross, that would appear to have been the most popular cross created to mark St. Brigid’s day in the province, is being used in place of the more familiar Kildare cross. This will be followed by the Tarmonbarry Players performance of an original piece, titled “Brigid’s Cloak”. On Saturday, February 4th, Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk will host a morning of talks on the topics of early female divinity by Mike McCarthy, (Deputy Manager of Rathcroghan Visitor Centre) and the customs of Brigid’s Day, by Dr Marion McGarry (lecturer in Heritage Studies at A.T.U., Galway).

This festival would not be possible without the funding from Creative Ireland and the support of Roscommon County Council. Special thanks must also go out to the Men’s Shed, Women’s Shed, Tarmonbarry Players and all the local historians and artists without whom there would be nothing to celebrate.

Follow us on social media for more information and images.