News

Spirit of Brigid 2027 Unveils Exceptional Line-Up

Lisa O'Neill, Paul Brady, Mick Flannery & Susan O'Neill and Jarlath Regan announced for county-wide celebration of music, culture, creativity and community

3 November 2026: Kildare County Council has announced headline acts and programme highlights for Spirit of Brigid 2027, with Lisa O’Neill, Paul Brady, Mick Flannery & Susan O’Neill and Jarlath Regan set to perform as part of a vibrant celebration taking place across County Kildare from Thursday 28th January to Tuesday 2nd February 2027.

Proudly delivered by Kildare County Council, the festival brings together some of Ireland’s most celebrated artists and performers, honouring the enduring legacy and spirit of St. Brigid through a rich programme of music, comedy, culture and family-friendly events.

Building on the success of previous years, Spirit of Brigid 2027 will bring performances, conversations and shared experiences to venues and communities throughout the county, celebrating Brigid’s legacy of creativity, compassion, equality and community.

This year’s headline programme will unfold in the atmospheric setting of the festival’s Spiegeltent, Áras Chill Dara, Naas. Mick Flannery & Susan O’Neill will take to the stage on Friday 29th January, bringing together two of Ireland’s most distinctive voices for a special evening of music.

Celebrated singer-songwriter Paul Brady will perform on Saturday 30th January, while comedian Jarlath Regan will bring an evening of laughter to the festival on Sunday 31st January. Acclaimed folk singer and songwriter Lisa O’Neill will round out the headline programme on Tuesday 2nd February.

Speaking on the launch of the programme for the upcoming festival, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council said: “Spirit of Brigid 2027 continues the remarkable journey that began with Brigid 1500, bringing people together from across Kildare and beyond to celebrate Brigid’s enduring legacy.

With an exceptional line-up of artists and a rich programme of cultural and community events, this year’s festival celebrates the creativity, compassion and sense of belonging that Brigid continues to inspire. We look forward to welcoming audiences of all ages to experience the music, stories and shared moments that make this celebration so special.”

Alongside the headline acts, Spirit of Brigid 2027 will feature performances in some of Kildare’s unique and historic venues. Programme highlights include candlelight concerts at St. Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare Town, where Stephen Rea & Harp Ireland will also present Remembering Bunting. Internationally acclaimed soprano and Kildare native Celine Byrne will perform at Christ Church, Celbridge, on Sunday 31st January.

The wider programme will also feature the Eimear Creedon Choir Collective, with performances in Celbridge and Athy, alongside a Women in Business lunch with Áine Lawlor.

Family-friendly and community events remain at the heart of the festival. Highlights include Brigid, Bees & Biodiversity in Athy, street spectacles in Kildare Town and Maynooth, and the Kíla Kids Show at the Spiegeltent on Monday 1st February.

The Pause for Peace will take place at The Curragh Racecourse at 12 noon on Monday 1st February, with all welcome to attend. A nationwide invitation is being extended to anyone named Brigid, Bríd, Bridget, Bridey or a variation of the name, alongside those with a special connection to a Brigid in their lives, to join the celebration of Ireland’s only female patron saint. The gathering will feature special musical performances and a collective Pause for Peace. All attendees must register individually for free at https://spiritofbrigid.ie/calling-all-brigids.  

Further family entertainment and the Spirit of Kildare Awards will also take place at the Spiegeltent that day.

Through performances, cultural experiences and community gatherings, Spirit of Brigid 2027 invites people of all ages to immerse themselves in Kildare’s heritage and explore how Brigid’s legacy continues to inspire and connect us today.

Tickets and festival information on Spirit of Brigid 2027 will be available at https://www.spiritofbrigid.ie/. 

Further programme highlights will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on the website and follow Spirit of Brigid on social media for the latest updates and announcements.