Imbolc agus Bríd

Every Wednesday: feature articles, cultural context, audio clips, and news from the Irish-learning community.

Subscribe to Gaeilge Gach Lá Newsletter →

Ciorcal Beo members recently attended a monthly workshop on Imbolc and Bríd.

Imbolc celebrates the coming of spring, being marked on the 1st February, and with customs beginning on its eve.

The meaning may mean “i mbolc” or “i mbolg”, “in the belly” as in lambing season. This points to the agricultural roots of pre-Christian Ireland.

The celebration has a newer level, that of Naomh Bríd / Saint Brigid. St. Brigid of Kildare is honoured as various holy wells across Ireland. A notable one is Dabhach Bhríde in Liscannor, County Clare.

Recommended show: Ag Triall ar an Tobar with Manchán Magan on TG4.

Recommended text: Irish Customs and Rituals – Marion McGarry

Here are Eoin Ó Conchúir’s photos from Dabhach Bhríde (St. Brigid’s Well) in Liscannor, County Clare:

Gaeilge Gach Lá Newsletter

Get Irish in your inbox, gach Céadaoin / Wednesday

Be part of our cultural deepening with the Irish language. Feature articles, audio clips, and news from the Irish-learning community. No spam, and safe unsubscribe.

Subscribe for free
  • pete garrison says:

    I wish the words were listed phonetically

  • Terry Cryan says:

    I wish it would say the way to say it in English

  • Charles says:

    A Chara Emma. Maidin go mait ort. Ta Ahas orm fa do da an photos I had forgotten about Ireland’s devotion to shrines. Photos go Mait.

  • Shahin says:

    Emma,a chara.İt is a great pleasure to hear about the new Spring festivity in Ireland on the 1-st February.In Azerbaijan we also have celebration Spring holiday but on the 21-st of March.The wells are our sacred spirit from ancient times.Why are we much interested with your culture?Because we are writing Student’s book-titled ‘Irish Literature’.Sincerely yours Shahin Khalilli

  • Catherine R Heckel says:

    I’ve watched Ag Triall ar an Tobar on YouTube. It’s a very stirring documentary that got me interested in the holy wells around Ireland. Sorry I missed the workshop. Excellent pictures, Eoin.

  • >