The Light is Returning: 5 Ways to Celebrate Lá Fhéile Bríde in Galway This Weekend

The days are, slowly, slowly, starting to stretch that little bit longer. Marking the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, Imbolc, or St Brigid's Day, isn't just a bank holiday; it's a hopeful, energising time, and an invitation to honour the Celtic goddess within.

Keep scrolling for some fun, inspiring ways to celebrate the return of the light.

1. Celebrate music, language and storytelling at Tonnta Festival

With events taking place across the entire Bank Holiday weekend, the vibrant Tonnta Festival has a bit of bilingual fun for everyone – from free gigs and workshops to performances by Imelda May, Bog Bodies, Huartan as well as late-night Gaeilgeoir DJs.
Though there are a few sold out shows, there's lots of free stuff too, so pop over to the programme page for a full run-though of what's happening.

2. Reconnect with your inner wisdom at a women’s circle and sound bath

Galway wellness group Lunasa are hosting a beautiful Women’s Circle & Sound Bath in the very chill setting of Barna's Súil Eile on Sunday 22nd February at 8pm. Expect  a nourishing evening of rest, reflection and reconnection. DM the team on Instagram to book your spot.

3. Rediscover a traditional craft with a cross-making workshop

The Brigit's cross is said to offer protection from fire, lightning, infectious disease and evil. Learn how to make your own in the beautiful surrounds of Brigit’s Garden. Dubbed one of the most picturesque gardens of Ireland, the unique Celtic gardens will host two free workshops to celebrate St. Brigid and the coming of spring on Sunday 2nd February.

You can choose to make a traditional Brigit’s Cross or a Brídeog (Brigid doll) using rushes, with all materials provided. The workshop is open to all, no booking is required, though donations to Brigit’s Garden are welcome on the day. Find out more here.

4. Find Galway City Museum's newest tiny treasure

If you've been to the gem that is Galway City Musuem recently, you'll no doubt have spotted their fun Tiny Treasure Hunt, which invites visitors to pick up an activity sheet, explore the museum and spot all of the specially commissioned Lego scenes.

This season, to celebrate Imbolc and St Brigid's Day, the museum commissioned brick artist Jessica Farrell to design a teeny tiny St Brigid, which is one of twelve miniature scenes inspired by Galway’s past and present hidden throughout the galleries. A fun activity for Lego and history fans (of all ages).

5. Be the belle of the Brigid’s Ball

Hosted by Out Early Home Early, the 2026 Brigid's Ball at Electric promises just that – a fun evening of dancing that kicks off at 8pm and wraps up before things get too messy.

DJ Cyril "Disko" Briscoe is planing a night of "classics, choons you didn't know you loved, anthems and floor fillers from back in the day", with the blissful promise of being home and in your jammies at a respectable hour. Tickets, €8, are available from Eventbrite.