Ireland is getting set (and making travel plans) for its new St Brigid's Day holiday, which makes its first appearance on February 6th.
St Brigid's Day is actually February 1st, but the law implementing the day specifies the first Monday in February unless February 1 falls on a Friday, in which case that will be the day.
It's a permanent addition to the calendar, unlike the special extra holiday called last year on March 18 to honor frontline workers during the pandemic. It also completes a cycle of Celtic holidays. Prime Minister Leo Varadkhar pointed out that "This will be the first Irish public holiday named after a woman. It marks the half-way point between the winter solstice and the equinox, the beginning of spring and the Celtic New Year.”
Saint Brigid of Kildare or Brigid of Ireland is the patroness saint of Ireland, and one of its three national saints along with Patrick and Columba.
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