Public holiday for Brigid 'will boost local tourism'

The addition of a new public holiday for Brigid of Kildare in 2023 will provide a boost to the economy of County Kildare, according to Kildare South TD and Minister of State Martin Heydon.

Welcoming the news of the new holiday, Minister Heydon also noted the move as 'historic' as it will mark the first public holiday in honour of an Irish female figure.

Minister Heydon says work is already underway on plans for Brigid 1500 in 2024, to mark 1,500 years since Brigid’s death and the new public holiday will bridge the considerable length of time between existing holidays in December and March and bring a welcome boost to the tourism sector at a traditionally quiet time.

“Brigid of Kildare, a patron saint of Ireland, and the goddess Brigid, a powerful deity, represent strong Irish women and have links to both our Celtic and Christian traditions and the Gaelic feast day of Imbolc on 1 February celebrates the start of spring. Whether it is the saint or the goddess, there is a Brigid there for everyone and from 2023 we will have the opportunity to celebrate her.”

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