Lá Fhéile Bríde at Drummany Spirit
Drummany Spirit will host a special Imbolc Day celebration, Lá Fhéile Bríde, at the beautifully restored Bridget’s Thatched Cottage this Sunday, February 1.
Gearóid Teevan of Drummany Spirit, caretaker of the lands and restorer of the historic cottage is inviting the community to honour the ancient festival associated with St Brigid, renewal and new beginnings.
The day will begin with lighting the flame in the 300-plus-year-old thatched cottage, a powerful and symbolic moment as the fire will be lit using the St Brigid’s Flame from Kildare.
This sacred flame has been kept burning continuously for 25 years in Birr Castle, linking the event to a long-standing tradition of devotion and continuity.
Gearóid will facilitate a communal rhythm circle using An Ruaille Buaille Druma which is Ireland’s largest handmade wooden ceremonial drum. Up to 30 participants can play the drum together, creating a shared rhythmic experience rooted in connection and community.
Traditional crafts will be led by Breege O’Reilly, who will guide participants in making St Brigid’s crosses from organic rushes, as well as crafting Bridéog dolls.
Breege learned the art of Brigid’s crosses from her grandmother, also named Bridget, and continues the tradition each year by gathering rushes and gifting crosses to neighbours and friends. On this special day, she is delighted to pass this ancient, family-held knowledge on to others.
Further highlights include a healing Qigong Brigid themed standing circle and St Brigid’s blessing led by Deborah Doherty of Trinity Yoga, storytelling by Fiona Crudden from Co Fermanagh exploring the rich connections between north and south through tales of St Brigid, and a walking meditation to the Hazel Triskell guided by Maria McIntyre of Mind Body Breath Healing. Maria will also lead a full ecstatic Celtic dance journey in the afternoon.
A pop-up Gaeltacht will also take place during the day, offering participants an informal and welcoming space to speak Irish and celebrate the language in a relaxed, community setting.
Soup and herbal teas from the organic farm will also be served. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a poem, song or music instrument for an open mic Ceili in the Cottage which will take place at the end of the day.
All events at Drummany Spirit are alcohol- and drug-free. Gates open at 11am for a 11:30am sharp start. The cottage is situated at Drummany Rahan, Milltown, Cavan, H14 E003.
Tickets and more information is available on the website here.