REVEALED: The 'exceptional' lineup for Spirit of Brigid 2027 in Kildare

Kildare County Council (KCC) has announced ‘exceptional’ headline acts and programme highlights for the 2027 iteration of Spirit of Brigid 2027.

Delivered by KCC, the festival brings together some of Ireland’s most celebrated artists and performers, and aims to ‘honour the enduring legacy and spirit of St Brigid through a rich programme of music, comedy, culture and family-friendly events’.

It will begin on Friday, January 29, 2026 and conclude on Tuesday, February 2, 2027.

This year’s headline programme will unfold at the festival’s Spiegeltent, which will be located at KCC’s headquarters, Áras Chill Dara, in Naas.

Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill will take to the stage on Friday, January 29, 2026, while singer-songwriter Paul Brady will perform on Saturday, January 30, 2027.

In addition, comedian Jarlath Regan will bring an evening of laughter to the festival on Sunday, January 31, 2027.

Lastly, acclaimed folk singer Lisa O’Neill will round out the headline programme on Tuesday, February 2, 2027 .

‘BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER’

Speaking ahead of the launch of the festival’s programme, KCC’s chief executive, Sonya Kavanagh, had this to say: “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.”

Ms Kavanagh also said: “We look forward to welcoming audiences of all ages to experience the music, stories and shared moments that make this celebration so special.”

Furthemore, KCC said that programme highlights will include candlelight concerts at St Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare Town, where Stephen Rea and Harp Ireland will also present ‘Remembering Bunting’.

Internationally acclaimed soprano and Kildare native Celine Byrne will also perform at Christ Church, Celbridge, on Sunday, January 31.

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

Other events will include ‘Brigid, Bees & Biodiversity’ in Athy, street spectacles in Kildare Town and Maynooth, and the ‘Kíla Kids Show’ at the Spiegeltent on Monday, February 1.

PAUSE FOR PEACE

And that’s not all —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.

This gathering at The Curragh Racecourse will feature special musical performances and a collective ‘Pause for Peace’ at 12 noon on Monday, February 1. It should be noted that all attendees must register individually for free.

On top of all of these planned events, the Spirit of Kildare Awards will also take place at the Spiegeltent that day.

Lastly, KCC said: “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.”

Tickets and further information on Spirit of Brigid 2027 will be available on spiritofbrigid.ie.