Friends of Merlin Woods will hold an event in the woods this Saturday at 11am to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
St Brigid has long been associated with the coming of spring, with her feast day marked on February 1. She is an important saint in Irish culture who tended to the needs of the poor, the sick, and the elderly and also championed education. The St Brigid’s cross is said to originate from her own teachings and the making and hanging of the St Brigid’s cross is kept alive in many homes in Ireland to ward off danger.
This Saturday people will gather in the woods to create a St Brigid’s cross mandala using only natural materials found in the woodland, also people attending will also have the opportunity to create their own St Brigids cross. There will be music and a telling of the full story of Brigid’s background and how she is revered in Irish culture.
This event is open to all to enjoy and people are free to participate, perform a song, play some music, or add to the celebration. It is a chance for all cultures to come together, to share stories, to learn more of Irish culture, and most of all, a time to spend a moment together in a beautiful area and celebrate all that nature offers us.
The event will be held in the nest area of Merlin Woods beside the allotments, near to Merlin Lane. More information is available on the Friends of Merlin Woods Facebook page, or by emailing [email protected].
Parking is available near the Doughiska entrance to woodlands, and the 409 bus serves the area from the city centre. The entrance from Doughiska Road is between the Centra shop and wooden school, walk to the end of the road where you will see the entrance to the woodlands just past the playground and follow the signs for the event. If you have any difficulty in finding the area, call Caroline on 085 2484380.
