Lord Mayor of Dublin announces Brigit 2022: Dublin City celebrating women

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland says she is inviting everyone to join in celebrating the contributions and achievements of women past and present on February 1st for Brigit 2022: Dublin City Celebrating Women.

Drawing inspiration from the Celtic goddess Brigit, associated with creativity and wisdom, and the traditional Gaelic festival of Imbolc, this exciting new programme of events is a city-wide opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Irish women through the ages, highlight their stories, promote their immense contribution to our society and welcome the beginning of Spring! #

Its inaugural programme spans inspiring films, compelling tours, rousing debates, insightful interviews and a stunning performance of songs and stories with some of Ireland’s most mesmerising performers in a SPRING RISE Brigit 2022 concert featuring Imelda May, FELISPEAKS, Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Tolü Makay in the Round Room of the Mansion House, Dublin 2.

All events are free and all are taking place on 1st February 2022.

Commenting on the initiative Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland said “I am delighted to initiate this new celebration of women.

“While acknowledging St Brigid, my inspiration is very much drawn from our Celtic heritage – the fierce yet protective and creative goddess Brigit and the Gaelic festival of Imbolc.

“The Brigit 2022 programme seeks to provide spaces and opportunities across our city to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women and highlight the rich tapestry of life that they have woven in all walks of life in our society.”

All are invited to enjoy Granny-Powered Storytelling.

To celebrate the power of grannies in holding families together and looking after everyone, the Dublin Book Grannies will read a bedtime story for children everywhere!

Amplifying the amazing achievements of women through the ages, check out Inspiring Women in STEM, a panel discussion hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin on the women who have made significant contributions to STEM over the last century, why it took so long for their roles to be acknowledged, the experiences of women working in STEM today and how the female lens impacts on STEM innovation.

Guests include Prof Linda Doyle, Provost of Trinity College, Dublin and journalist Clodagh Finn, author of Through Her Eyes: A History of Ireland in 21 Women.

Tune in to an array of fascinating podcast discussions including Where You Lead, a series featuring remarkable women in conversation with those who inspire them, like founder & CEO Chupi Sweetman & her mother, writer and journalist, Rosita Sweetman or discover 100 years of Women in Irish Traditional Music, a free webinar with renowned musician Niamh Ní Charra.

In We Were There, We Are Here: Women in Politics Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland hosts a panel discussion on the lack of acknowledgement of women during the fight for independence, how women’s participation in politics has evolved and the barriers to women’s political participation today.

Guests include Haley Brabazon, Gender and the Legacy of the Irish Revolution PhD candidate, DCU; long-time women’s rights campaigner and activist Ivana Bacik TD, and Dr Mary McAulliffe, historian, lecturer and Director of the Gender Studies Programme, UCD.

Discover the City – Projections & Walking Tours

Brigit 2022 will light up Dublin’s most iconic buildings with imagery associated with Brigit and other inspiring, exceptional women. Visit the Mansion House to see artist Holly Pereira’s Brigit, Goddess of Fire and see illustrator Claire Prouvost’s The Spark projected on the walls of the Hugh Lane Gallery.

Plus, Herstory and the Irish Second-Level Students Union has teamed up to create a #Herstory light show featuring work from NCAD and Colaiste Dhulaigh students celebrating and amplifying the voices of student activists and the causes closest to their hearts.

Take a walk through history and welcome the start of Spring with a walking tour.

Experience Glasnevin is hosting a special tour which will focus on the women buried here who have played pivotal roles in the social, cultural, and political life of the country including Countess Markievicz, Maud Gonne MacBride, Elizabeth O’Farrell, Delia Larkin and Hanna Sheehy Skeffington.  Amazing Women of Irish History will introduce you to some of the most iconic women in Irish history, while The Dublin Street Art Tour of Female Artists will show you around some of Dublin city’s most vibrant murals and art installations from Ireland’s incredible female artists.

Look and Learn – Screenings, Exhibitions & Workshops

At The LAB Gallery, Foley St., Dublin 1 discover the creativity of emerging female artists in Ireland with New Beginnings, an exhibition featuring work from seven recent art graduates.

At The Lighthouse cinema, come along for a screening of Anne Devlin (1984), followed by a Q&A with director and leading feminist filmmaker Pat Murphy.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, make some new friends and learn something new with 50 First Skates at Capital Dock where you’ll learn the basics of skating in an inclusive, welcoming environment.

An International Female Perspective

Join Ambassadors from various Embassies in Ireland (Peru, Canada, Palestine, Norway and Colombia) as they present on the environment, the arts and culture!