Herstory, working with Clare artists, will light up the skies as we welcome Springtime and recognise the many strengths of women throughout history. These light projections are taking place in Doonagore Castle, Doolin, Falls Hotel, Ennistymon and at Bunratty Castle.
Herstory ran the successful campaign to make Brigid’s Day Ireland’s new national holiday – the first in honour of a woman.
This year’s theme is the Old Irish saying: “There’s room for everyone under Brigid’s cloak. In these divisive times, St. Brigid calls us to remember our true humanity, bringing a message of inclusion, harmony, and healing. The Goddess Brigid was a pan-European Celtic goddess, honoured from Turkey to Spain. Saint Brigid ran a thriving monastery in Kildare and her true Christian message spread through pilgrimages far across Europe.
Herstory Light Show: Clare Programme
Saturday 3rd February
All events are free and open to the public
5.30 – 6.30pm: Doonagore Castle, Doolin
7.30 – 8.30pm: Falls Hotel, Ennistymon with HUSH silent disco by Gilly Kelly Dunne
10 – 11pm: Bunratty Castle
The Herstory Education Trust commissioned the talented Clare duo, photographer Myriam Riand and conceptual artist Áine O’ Brien to create new photographic art inspired by Celtic goddesses Brigid and the Cailleach:
“Rising from the ashes of old Ireland and calling all women to join us in our noble quest of commanding our power and sovereignty. We present ‘Brigid Rising’ and ‘Calling in the Cailleach”
The artists reveal that “collaborating with HERSTORY has proven to be an enriching and empowering experience for both of us. As we engage in the creation of our art, which addresses the essence of Irish women, it becomes truly gratifying to witness the homage paid to St. Brigid as our matron deity. Through a process of profound ancestral introspection and capturing of presence, we collaboratively brought to life Brigid and The Cailleach. We rise with the depths of our desire to inspire truth.”
VIDEO: SOLAS: 2021 Herstory collaboration with the artists
The Herstory Light Show will also spotlight award-winning Clare-based documentary filmmaker Dearbhla Glynn, who embodies Brigid’s qualities as a champion for human rights and women’s empowerment. Dearbhla has made several films in Palestine, Iraq, Sub-Saharan Africa and extensively in The Democratic Republic of the Congo. ‘Gaza-Post Operation Cast Lead’ won the grand prize at the ICCl Human Rights Film award in 2010. Recently she launched her new film FISTULA to make life better and safer for women giving birth and to prevent fistula from happening in the first place.
Acclaimed local musicians Susan Quirke and Enda Gallery co-wrote and co-produced a new song ‘Ó a Bhríd’ together in the hills of Kilfenora, County Clare. The song Ó a Bhríd is available to download or stream for free via Susan Quirke’s Spotify, Bandcamp and YouTube channels, and through SusanQuirke.com, EndaGallery.com and Herstory.ie
The illuminations will also showcase Susan’s powerful song ‘HOME’ and Enda’s collaboration with Tolü Makay in The Greatest Gift , both timely calls to remember our true humanity and the Irish spirit of hospitality, community and inclusion.
MUSIC VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Susan’s powerful song ‘HOME’
At the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, local legend Gilly Kelly Dunne invites you to Hush Disco, an immersive listening and dancing experience where each participant wears their own headsets whilst responding to music inspired by the Goddess.
Creative Director Melanie Lynch reveals: “In many ways Ireland is still catching up with the visionary Saint Brigid, 1500 years after she lived. Our collaborating artists embody Brigid’s qualities as activists who possess a rare authenticity and original voice in amplifying human rights, climate action and ancient Irish wisdom through their artistic creations. I’m in awe of the creative talent in Clare and the infectious spirit for collaboration and community.”
For more details see www.herstory.ie