All roads lead to Kerry for the February Bank Holiday Weekend - Friday 2nd to Monday 5th February 2024. This special Bank Holiday in Ireland celebrates St. Brigid, one of Ireland's patron saints, and is also centred around the pagan festival of Imbolc, marking the beginning of Spring. 

 

Kerry is steeped in local traditions and culture, and this February Bank Holiday weekend, there's music, festivals and workshops for you to immerse yourself in the Biddy Day folklore while taking in all Kerry has to offer, from great places to eat & drink and superb stays. Find yourself steeped in the history and traditions of the Biddy at the Mid-Kerry Biddy's Day Festival or immerse yourself in the story telling, science and song of Éigse na Brídeoige in the South Kerry Gaeltacht - Gaeltacht Uibh Ráthaigh. 

 

At the core of the Biddy's Day celebration is the timeless tradition of Biddy groups, a revered custom that sees these spirited emissaries don straw hats and carry Brídeóg dolls on visits to both rural and public houses. Their mission? To weave a protective spell against malevolent spirits, ensuring the well-being of both humans and animals in the year ahead. A visit from the Biddy, steeped in history and meaning, guarantees good fortune, fertility, and prosperity.

Bank Holiday Weekend Events

All Bank Holiday Events

The magical folklore of the seal as a mythical and symbolic creature runs through the festival theme of Éigse na Brídeoige. A specially commissioned suite of music by Steve Cooney is to accompany a performance of the long poem An Craiceann agus an Luach composed by the storyteller, writer and scholar Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair.

 

At the Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco and Activity Park, you can participate in a workshop on how to make a St. Brigid's cross using locally sourced sustainable rushes. You will also get the opportunity to make a Brídeog doll using rushes and fabric.

 

Fashionistas are flocking to the INEC Arena in Killarney on Thursday February 1st for a fashion show fundraising in aid of Kerry based cancer support group, Recovery Haven. Renowned Kerry based designers Colin Horgan and Don O'Neill will be in conversation with host Mary Kennedy, making for a truly memorable experience. Kerry's Senior men's hurling team meet Carlow in a national league match - GAA fans will be flocking to Tralee's Austin Stack's Park for this game on Sunday 4th February.

 

Keep exploring www.discoverkerry.com for where to stay, activities for kids or to plan your journey to and around the county.

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