St. Patrick might be the most famous of the Irish saints...but he's far from the most interesting.

In 2023, St. Brigid’s Day was decreed a National Holiday in Ireland to honor Brigid. Over the millennia, this legendary woman has evolved into a figure encompassing myth, holy legend, pagan icon, and now modern feminist symbol.

But who was Brigid, really? To answer that question, travel writer Nicola Brady set off around Ireland to see how she’s celebrated, and she found that there’s not one simple answer. Because, as with everything in Ireland, you never know quite what’s around the corner.

Listen for a story that takes you into forests and through time, from the windswept hills of Downpatrick to ancient cathedrals of Kildare. And you just might encounter some fire dancers, divine poetry, and even a miniature Batman on a bicycle...

Thank you to everyone who featured in this episode:

Judith Boyle from Boyle’s Pub
Phil O’Shea from Solas Bhríde
Tom McCutcheon from the Kildare Heritage Center
Musicians Lisa Lambe and Moya Brennan
Brigid Watson from Sustainable Journeys Ireland
And poets Laura Murphy and Grainne Tobin.

Also, much of the music you’ve heard in this episode was recorded live in St. Brigid’s Cathedral. Thank you to Hot Press for helping with the recording and thanks to all the performers from that evening as well. And a big thanks to Paula O’Brien of Brigid 1500 for helping us onsite. The show was hosted by Nicola Brady, and you can find her work at NicolaBrady.com.

And if you want to learn more about booking your own trip to experience the sights and attractions featured in this episode, go to Ireland.com or follow along on social media @Tourism Ireland.

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CREDITS

This show was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Jason Paton recorded, mixed, and sound designed the show. Charles Tyrie helped with the editing. Jenny Allison and Aaron Millar produced it. Nicola Brady hosted and wrote it. Thanks so much.

Irish Myths and Mysteries: Searching for St. Brigid on Location in Ireland

Armchair Explorer

Irish Myths and Mysteries: Searching for St. Brigid on Location in Ireland