Search

27 Jan 2026

Longford's Athena Gallery & Café to host St Brigid's festival workshop

Déirdre Orme will guide attendees to build a St Brigid's Cross

Déirdre Orme

Déirdre Orme will guide attendees to build a St Brigid's Cross

Delve into the history and heritage of Saint Brigid's weekend with Déirdre Orme at Athena Gallery & Café on Thursday, January 29.
Weaving together tradition, ritual and the ancient craft of storytelling, Déirdre will lead an immersive hands-on workshop, using locally gathered materials and traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. 
"Reconnecting with the land and the coming of Spring, it's at this time that we gather to prepare for the season ahead. Brigid is central to this ritual and has been worshipped since ancient times.
Longford claims part of her story. Folklore tells of goddess Brigit, daughter of the Dagda and half sister to Midir of Brí Leith.
It too was at Ardagh, that Saint Brigid was professed with abbatial powers and by some accounts ordained a Bishop! Sacred well, church and school hold her name, while her sculpted figure in the portico above the entrance of St. Mel's Cathedral further emphasises her importance to this region." 
This is a chance to slow down, connect with seasonal rituals, and create your own Brigid’s Cross to take home. 
The St Brigid's Cross is a symbol of protection, renewal, hope and good fortune for the year ahead.
This workshop is suitable for adults and teens. No experience required and all materials are provided, free of charge.
Two sessions available: 6pm and 7pm.
Places are limited and booking is essential.
These workshops are part of a series of free evening experiences across Longford town, where tradition meets creativity and modern ritual. Events funded by Longford County Council - Night Time Economy.

To continue reading this article,
please subscribe and support local journalism!


Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles.

Subscribe

To continue reading this article for FREE,
please kindly register and/or log in.


Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news!

Register / Login

Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.

Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.