Learn to make a St Brigid's Cross

February 1 marks Lá Fhéile Bríde, or St Brigid’s Day, and there are many traditions and customs associated with this feast day, dedicated to Ireland's only female patron saint.

St Brigid's Day (and the older Celtic festival of Imbolc) was an important seasonal marker in folk tradition - signifying the start of spring, new life, fertility and growth.

St Brigid’s Day was one of the ‘quarter days’ celebrated by our ancestors. These days marked a transition from one season to the next. 

February 1 signalled the beginning of spring; Bealtaine (May 1) was the start of summer; Lúnasa (August 1) brought in the harvest season and Samhain (November 1) was the beginning of the dark season.

The crafting of St Brigid’s Crosses to celebrate Lá Fhéile Bríde is still popular in many Irish homes today.

Keep up the tradition with a free, drop-in activity to learn how to make your own St Brigid's Crosses, taking place at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, January 27th and 28th.

The Museum has an ongoing display that explores St Brigid's Day customs as well as a special temporary display of St Brigid's Crosses, to demonstrate the regional styles and variations throughout Ireland and the different materials used.

There will also be free guided tours of the Irish Folklife Collection at 2pm and 3pm on both days, with a focus on objects, customs and traditions associated with St Brigid.

This is a free, drop-in activity, suitable for all ages. No booking required.