Brigid Saint or Goddess?

Ancient cultural heritage immersive experience in the Saint Patrick Centre Downpatrick

Sit back and relax as you watch a demonstration of Saint Brigid cross-making by Brigid Watson. Using the materials provided try your hand at making your own cross. Refreshments provided. Excellent exhibition and fascinating story of the life of Saint Brigid and her links to the goddess Brigid. Opportunity to also view the exhibition about Saint Patrick.

Dates: Tuesday 1^st February 2022 (SOLD OUT); Saturday 26^th February 2022; Sunday March 20^th 2022

Time 2.00- 4.00pm

Price £17 per person

On arrival at the Saint Patrick’s Centre you will be warmly welcomed with the offer of herbal tea/tea and oatcakes or pancakes with blackberry jam and honey. While enjoying the light refreshments you will have the opportunity to explore an excellent exhibition. It includes a display of artefacts and photographs about Saint Brigid and the Goddess Brigid

During this two hour experience you will be transported back in time to 5^th Century and earlier as Brigid Watson paints a picture of life in Ireland in pagan times and in the time of the early Celtic saints. Brigid shares the story of the ancient Irish cultural heritage tradition of making the St Brigid’s Cross. This is a tradition which Brigid grew up with in her family home and it is widely practised across Ireland today. You will also learn about other traditions associated with Saint Brigid.

Following a demonstration of cross-making by Brigid, try your hand at making your own Saint Brigid’s cross.

In the ancient town of Downpatrick, home to the burial place of Saint Brigid at Down Cathedral, Brigid shares the story of the fascinating life of this Irish woman who is revered across Ireland and beyond.

Finally we walk a short distance(100m) from the Saint Patrick centre to the grave of saints Brigid, Patrick and Colmcille. From this ancient Christian hilltop site there are beautiful panoramic views across the County Down countryside.

The graveyard is beside the magnificent Down Cathedral, popular with visitors to Downpatrick and you may wish to visit it.

You will also have the opportunity to view a presentation and exhibition about Saint Patrick in the St Patrick Centre which has a café and shop.

Inclusions

Tea/Herbal tea with oatcakes or pancakes and butter, blackberry jam/ honey

All materials needed to make your personal Saint Brigid’s Cross

Gift of a miniature Saint Brigid’s Cross as a momento of your participation in the experience

Dates: Tuesday 1^st February 2022;   Saturday 26^th February 2022; Sunday March 20^th 2022

Time 2.00- 4.00pm

Price £17 per person

What clients said

“Brigid shared her own personal story of making the St Brigid Cross throughout her childhood years and this together with other stories she shared really added to the experience. Also enjoyed the excellent display.”

– Julie

“This has been a lovely afternoon- informative, relaxed, friendly and fun. Wonderful to learn an old tradition and I will try to keep it up! Most inspiring, thank you.”

– Janet, Comber

“Excellent, relaxed and very informative. Thank you kindly.”

– Kathy, Portaferry