St. Brigid

The name Brigid means 'Exalted One' and in celtic mythology she was seen as the Celtic equivalent of the Roman Minerva and the Greek Athena. These goddesses were attributed similar functions and apparently embodied the same concept of 'elevated state', whether physical or psychological. Brigid herself is recorded as the powerful 6th century abbess of Kildare, the Goddess of the Sacred Flame of Kildare and the patron goddess of the Druids.


St. Brigid's Well

St. Brigid's Well (Dabhach Bhríde ) is found near approx 12 km from St Brigids Healing Centre, near the Cliffs of Moher, in an area of great scenic beauty. Every year on February 1st, St. Brigid's day weather permitting, mass is celebrated at the well. People come from all over, on this the first day of the celtic Spring, to welcome the goddess and saint who brings the light back after the long winter and to ask her for healing and protection through the coming year. On this occasion people bring their Bríde Óg rebuilt from previous years, celebrate mass, receive a blessing from St. Brigid's cloak, step through the hoop made from rush which is symbolic of moving into the new year and have their Brigid's cross blessed to take home.

Brigid's Cross

Brigid's cross though not recorded before the seventeenth century, is an Irish symbol. Though now used as a Christian symbol, it possibly derives from the pagan sunwheel. Made from rushes or straw comprises a woven square in the centre and four radials tied at the ends.