The Mid Kerry Biddy's Festival takes place over the February bank holiday weekend in Killorglin. The ‘Biddy’ is an Irish cultural custom which honours St. Brigid and the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc. 

Imbolc (Feb 1st) is one of the four Celtic seasonal festivals—along with Beltaine, Lughnasadh and Samhain. Imbolc celebrated the goddess Bridgid and welcomed the Spring. When early Christianity came to Ireland Imbolc was transformed to Brigid’s Day.

 

Open Graph - 3 images - Biddies DayImages Credit: Rob Leane (Mid - Kerry Media)

TRADITION FOR ALL GENERATIONS

A Biddy group consists of masked men and women dressed in white uniforms, sashes and wearing elaborate oaten-straw hats. The St Brigid crosses they wear are traditionally made of rushes.  The group consists of 10 to 50 members depending on the popularity and is a multigenerational tradition - some Biddy groups consist of three generations of families who still don the hats and visit their neighbours to play music and dance for them.

DANCING, HOUSE CALLS & COMMUNITY

Biddy groups are welcomed into neighbours’ houses and bars in their locality. The captain of the biddy group carries a Brídeóg (effigy/doll of brigid the goddess as a child) with them to ensure evil spirits are kept away for the coming year. The biddys would dance sets and polkas around the floor of the kitchen, sing a song or two and always involve the owner of the house. They also collect money on their travels.  Long ago this money was put towards the purchase of alcohol and food for a biddy ball. The biddy ball was the culmination of the Imbolc festival where the participating biddys had their own celebrations. The ball later moved to parish halls and became competitive in their nature with groups competing for the best turned out biddy group. There are tales of some biddy balls going on for a couple of day the music and dancing was so good! Today the Biddy groups use the money as a fundraiser for a charity of their choosing in their locality.

REVIVAL 

As of 2016 there was only two active Biddy groups left in Mid Kerry. This was a serious decline with many traditional groups hanging up their hats in the previous twenty years. Thankfully due to the work of a small group of volunteers a one-day festival was created to revive the biddy tradition, and a biddy parade was organised for Killorglin town. The festival has gone from strength to strength and now has up to 15 biddy groups involved in the parade. Some of the other festival highlights include the workshops that happen in the area in the lead up to St. Brigids day. These include biddy hat making demonstrations using straw led by Mike Coffey from Beaufort and Timmy O’Shea from Glencar. There are also cross making classes, willow lantern making, local wild foraging & tasting, storytelling sessions, singing sessions. The highlight of the festival is certainly the parade on the Saturday night. The groups led by fire performers snake their way over the Laune Bridge and up the hill through the town where they gather in Library place for a final performance by the groups. They then disperse and travel to all the pubs in the town. Today, the Biddy’s Day Festival offers visitors a captivating journey into Irish folklore, connecting generations through shared culture, music, and celebration.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

in 2019, the mid kerry biddy tradition was granted official state protection as a piece of 'living cultural heritage' by the irish government, joining the likes of hurling and uilleann piping, and today the festival continues to shine as a vibrant celebration, reigniting interest in this once-fading tradition and connecting generations in mid-kerry.

Discover Mid Kerry’s Year-Round Festivals

The Mid Kerry (Reeks District) region is known for its strong festival tradition, with events throughout the year that celebrate local culture, music, food and community. Puck Fair in Killorglin, one of Ireland’s oldest festivals, is a unique cultural celebration rooted in ancient tradition, bringing street theatre, live music and ceremony to the town every August. Glenbeigh Summer Festival transforms the coastal village of Glenbeigh into a vibrant community celebration every July, featuring family events, local food vendors and the famous Glenbeigh‑Glencar Marathon along scenic Caragh Lake. Cromane Seafest is an annual maritime festival in Cromane, Co. Kerry, celebrating the local coastal and seafood heritage. It features a wide range of seafood tastings (including local oysters, mussels and chef demonstrations), markets and food‑related activities showcasing Cromane’s seafood traditions. The event also includes a variety of family‑friendly activities and water‑related events such as kayaking, paddleboarding, raft races and other watersport‑style activities alongside land‑based entertainment, crafts, kids’ zones and live music. K‑Fest is Killorglin’s vibrant arts and music festival, held every June Bank Holiday weekend. The festival features live music, visual arts, theatre, and family-friendly activities, transforming the town with pop-up galleries, performances, and creative events.

EXTEND YOUR STAY BEYOND THE FESTIVITIES

Beyond the festivals, Mid Kerry is a destination for all types of visitors, from adventurous hikers to those who enjoy slower, mindful walks. For adventure seekers, the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak, offer challenging trails and spectacular mountain views. Gentler walks along the Railway Bridge Trail, Tomies Woods, and riverside paths provide peaceful scenery, wildlife spotting, and opportunities for mindful exploration.

The Mid Kerry coastline is equally appealing. Rossbeigh Strand, with its golden sands, playground, basketball and tennis courts, and Blue Flag beach with summer lifeguards, is ideal for family-friendly beach days. Cromane Beach offers a more tranquil coastal experience, with local highlights including Samhradh’s Sauna, Jack’s Coastguard Restaurant, and The Boathouse Café Cromane—perfect for coffee, fresh seafood, and seasonal treats.

Visitors can also enjoy cycling routes, scenic drives, and hidden gems throughout Mid Kerry’s villages and countryside. With traditional pubs, artisan food producers, and welcoming communities, Mid Kerry invites visitors to explore the outdoors, enjoy family-friendly activities, and experience the natural beauty and culture that make the region a must-visit destination.