Faughart Shrine in Dundalk, widely regarded as St Brigid’s birthplace and described as the “second national shrine of St Brigid in Ireland, is the focus of a new fundraising push ahead of St Brigid’s Day.
“Faughart Shrine is the birthplace of St Brigid,” organiser Kathleen Maddy told The Irish Catholic. “Kildare was where the abbeys and the later part of St Brigid’s life [were], so we have our claim on what we have here. She’s got a foothold in every home… The St Brigid’s Cross is almost a hallmark for a Dundalk home.”
Set in the rural countryside on the outskirts of Dundalk, she said the shrine is a place where “it’s like stepping back in time”, with “ancient stones and the healing waters” that people have travelled to for generations. “For the people from the north-east area, it’s as big and as significant as Knock,” she said, adding that visitors come “with or without faith”.
Organisers say recent years have seen an increase in visitors, tour groups and international pilgrims, but the site needs basic improvements. “We need a big injection of funding… basics toilets, washrooms… so that it’s an all-around better experience for people,” Ms Maddy said.
A fundraising concert on January 23 will launch the ‘Daughter of Faughart’ initiative, with Sean Keane, folk singer and storyteller, performing at St Joseph’s Church, Castletown, Dundalk, at 8pm. Tickets cost €30 via Eventbrite, with organisers planning more fundraising events in the months ahead.
