Hill Lights for Brigid

IntoKildare, the County Kildare Tourism Board, illuminated the Hill of Allen and the highest hill in County Kildare, Cupidstown Hill, as part of this year’s festivities to celebrate the patron saint of Kildare, St. Brigid.

The historic tower at the Hill of Allen emitted a series of bright lights on the eve of St Brigid’s. The Tower and hill remained lit until midnight on the 31st of January, before lighting up again from 6pm to midnight on St. Brigid’s Day, February 1st.

International soprano and Kildare native Celine Byrne sang "A Candle For You" at the top of the hill and wore a St. Brigid inspired cloak designed by Irish designer Jennifer Rothwell. The song was composed by Marie Dunne.

St Brigid’s Day traditionally marks the first day of spring and has been celebrated by Christians all over the world for many centuries. The Kildare patron saint was born in the fifth century, where she built a monastery for men and women in Kildare around 470AD. Irish missionaries and migrants carried her name and spirit across the world, and today, pilgrims and visitors come to County Kildare from all over the world seeking to walk in Brigid’s footsteps.  

Additionally, IntoKildare and Solas Bhríde Centre & Hermitages joined forces and launched a global "Pause for Peace" movement, which took place on Saint Brigid’s Day. Pause for Peace saw the residents of County Kildare calling on people all around the world to stop for a minute’s silence at 12.00 noon on the 1st of February 2023.