Louth's Brigid1500 Festival draws 55,000 visitors as attractions shine bright

Louth is celebrating the resounding success of the Brigid1500 ‘Louth: Birthplace of Brigid’ Festival, which attracted more than 55,000 visitors to the county over the last ten days.

Featuring a range of inspiring events and programmes celebrating the life and legacy of St. Brigid/ Brigid of Faughart, the festival was an integral part of the national Brigid1500 commemorations.

The spectacular audio-visual ‘Northern Lights’ show in Dundalk town centre was the headline event, attracting an estimated 48,000 visitors in just the first few days.

This never seen before spectacular lighting display, choreographed to music, intertwines historical, cultural, and spiritual elements, paying homage to Brigid of Faughart state-of-the-art visuals lighting up Market Square.

The Northern Light Show was a unique partnership between Louth County Council and the Dundalk Business Improvement District Scheme (BIDS).

Martin McElligott, Town Centre Manager at Dundalk BIDS, explained:

“I am so happy with how the whole project has been so well received and I have been in charge of many events here in Dundalk, but I can say with confidence that none have been as emotionally charged as The Northern Lights. 

“We have spoken with people both locally, and travelled from all across the country just to witness its magnetic energy and beautiful splendour! 

“The positive view of the project and Dundalk made me so proud of my home town and most of all, to be Irish.”

The Brigid 1500 Arts Exhibition, featuring the stunning showpiece of the festival – St. Brigid’s Cloak - was a huge draw throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

The exhibition offered a fascinating insight into the life and impact of St. Brigid, through vibrant art pieces created by acclaimed artists Susan Farrelly, Una Curley, Claire McAteer, and Etaoin O’Reilly and led by Grainne Murphy.

The Brigid: Lady of Light theatrical performance saw sold out shows at An Táin Arts Centre. Recounting St. Brigid’s compelling story from birth in Faughart to her legacy in Kildare, the show was commissioned by Louth County Council, and featured local musicians, dancers and singers along with the Setanta Choir, celebrating the unique legacy of Brigid.

Moya Hodgers, Arts Officer, Louth County Council said the response to the Brigid1500 Festival programme has been “overwhelming.”

“Our Community Art Exhibition in the Houstons building was visited by over five thousand people throughout the ten days of the festival, including hundreds of school children. 

“It has really highlighted the importance of arts and culture and the appetite there is for us to engage with the community through our work.  

“The Lady of Light production brought together professional and community members to work on what has been an exciting adventure. 

“We never could have imagined twelve months ago the impact these endeavours would have had and it has been so rewarding to be on the receiving end of such a positive reaction. 

“The artists and performers involved in all our projects and productions are so thrilled to have had the opportunity to be a part of something so special.”

The St. Brigid of Ireland’ Museum Exhibition at the County Museum, Dundalk, is a stunning showcase honouring the life and accomplishments of one of our most revered saints. 

The exhibition explores her connections to both Pagan and Christian traditions and continues its run until  29th February.

Louth County Council also supported a number of initiatives as part of the Brigid1500 commemorations including craft and poetry workshops, dedicated school projects, and a poignant candlelit procession at St. Brigid’s Shrine.

Chief Executive, Louth County Council Joan Martin said:

“Louth County Council has been delighted to lead our county, Louth-Birthplace of Brigid, in commemorating and celebrating the 1500th anniversary of her death. 

“It has been a wonderful week when we celebrated Brigid, an extraordinary woman for all ages. 

“Her life and her memory have been embraced by hundreds of people, young and old, from across the community who participated directly through art, song, dance, poetry, music, craft, stories and even knitting. 

“Many, many thousands flocked to Dundalk each evening to experience the amazing Northern Lights. 

“Brigid lit up our lives and gave us energy and hope in the dreary days following Christmas. 

“I would like to thank and congratulate the many people who made all of this happen, who I know worked very hard over many months so that we could enjoy a truly magical, uplifting and joyful Brigid 1500 Festival.”