St Brigid is finally getting the recognition she so rightly deserves and the rest of us are getting a new bank holiday!  

Celebration of St Brigid is an ancient tradition with its roots in the Celtic festival of Imbolc.  Imbolc is a pagan festival celebrating the ancient goddess Brigid and marking the start of Spring. Imbolc was one of the cornerstones of the Celtic calendar and marked the start of Spring.  The word Imbolc is thought to refer to milk in the ewe’s stomach marking the start of Spring and the new farming season. It is also associated with Brigid, the triple deity and patron of healing and the Arts. Rituals were performed to appease the elements and ensure a steady supply of food until the harvest six months later.  To this day on the 1 February People in Ireland still make the St Brigid’s cross from rushes and a three-legged rush weaving to represent the triple deity Brigid.

With this extra bank holiday making your St Brigid’s Cross doesn’t have to be a rushed affair before work or school. You can take your time and really craft something special just like our wonderful maker Mia from Catch the Light.  She has crafted pretty stained-glass St Brigid crosses perfect for hanging in your window or as a small gift for someone special.

If you are looking for something really special, Irish Jewellery Designer Una O’Boyle of Banshee Silver uses her designs to retell ancient stories of Irish Celtic culture. Her range includes a beautiful silver Triple Deity Necklace designed specially to celebrate St Brigid. 

Local Calligraphy Artist, Carol McLoughlin creates a beautiful Saint Brigid’s Day Blessing available in an A5 or A4 print. Perfect to pop in the post to someone abroad who would like to join in the celebrations but isn’t here in the country.

However you celebrate we hope you enjoy this extra day of rest, we know we will!

We hope to make your shopping stress free by offering a hand-picked selection of gifts made locally in Leitrim, while supporting local artists and crafts people. There’s always the option of a Leitrim Design House gift card for any amount that suits your budget. Check out our curated selection of 100% Irish gifts on our online shop www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie

Get in touch on 071 9650550, if you need advice or inspiration to help you choose that perfect gift, we’ll be happy to assist you.  We’ll even deliver from our door to theirs for free on orders over €50 across Ireland.

For further information follow us on social media, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or we’d love to see you in our not-for-profit store at The Leitrim Design House, The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Open Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm and Saturday 10.00am - 5pm