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February Bank Holiday Tourism Remains Strong as Brigid 2025 Festival Grows From Strength to Strength One Year on from 1500th Anniversary 

International Stars like Bob Geldof, Imelda May, and Una Healy  Performed Across County Kildare for The Latest Mainstay in The Cultural Calendar

2^nd April 2025: Kildare County Council’s Brigid 2025: Spirit of Kildare festival welcomed a stellar lineup of internationally renowned artists to the county. Between 18th January and 3rd February, the festival celebrated and honoured the extraordinary life and legacy of St. Brigid. Visitor numbers remained strong one year on from the introduction of the bank holiday and the 1500th anniversary of her passing, highlighting the festival’s growing significance.

As the festival continues to grow, Dublin Airport reported 340,000 passengers travelling over the four days of the St. Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend, highlighting the continued strength of culture and festival-led tourism to Ireland.

This year’s festival featured a world-class programme with performances by internationally acclaimed artists, including Bob Geldof, Una Healy, Lyra, and Imelda May, bringing together artists, communities, and visitors to celebrate through the theme ‘Her Spirit, Our Story’. These globally recognised talents helped shine an international spotlight on the festival, drawing audiences from across the globe to experience Kildare’s rich cultural heritage.

Other highlights included a spectacular light procession by LUXE Landscape Theatre in Maynooth, where fire and light carried Brigid’s flame, and a breathtaking aerial display by Fidget Feet in Market Square, Kildare town. With visitors from around the world gathering to experience the festival’s unique blend of music, art, storytelling, and reflection, embracing themes of light, renewal, and community.

The festival’s success not only cemented its reputation as a premier cultural event but also provided a significant economic boost to local businesses, with increased footfall in hotels, restaurants, and shops across Kildare.

Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said:  “This festival is a wonderful way to honour St. Brigid’s legacy.  It has been a fantastic celebration of our heritage and community. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the festival and we look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.”

Kildare County Council recognises the festival’s vital role in celebrating St. Brigid’s influence. They extend their sincere thanks to the communities and the many visitors from around the world who took part, making Brigid 2025: Spirit of Kildare a truly special and memorable occasion.

For more information and future updates, visit spiritofbrigid.ie