Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee has launched the Department’s ninth international St Brigid’s Day programme, highlighting the creativity, achievements and global impact of women. The 2026 programme marks the largest diplomatic celebration of St Brigid’s Day to date, with 65 Irish embassies and consulates worldwide participating in the initiative.
Through Ireland’s global diplomatic network, the programme will showcase the contributions of Irish women across a wide range of sectors, working in partnership with local cultural institutions, artists, academics, civil society organisations and Irish diaspora communities. This collaborative approach is designed to ensure that the celebrations are inclusive, diverse and reflective of local contexts across different regions.
A digital media campaign will accompany the global programme, raising awareness of St Brigid’s Day and its role in recognising the contributions of Irish women worldwide. The campaign features music by Irish singer-songwriter Niamh Regan, reinforcing the programme’s focus on creativity and contemporary cultural expression.
Minister McEntee emphasised that St Brigid’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate inspiring women and the vital roles they play in communities around the world. Since its launch in 2018, the international St Brigid’s Day programme has evolved into a global celebration that reflects Ireland’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and gender equality.
The 2026 programme places a strong emphasis on women’s creativity, leadership and talent across areas such as the arts, public life, sport, science, business and community action. By encouraging cultural exchange between Ireland and host countries, the initiative supports women’s empowerment through increased visibility, dialogue and collaboration.
Events taking place both in person and online include literary festivals, panel discussions, performances, exhibitions, film screenings, workshops and community receptions. Together, these activities create spaces to celebrate women’s voices and achievements while fostering cross-cultural connection. Observed annually on 1 February, St Brigid’s Day honours one of Ireland’s patron saints and symbolises creativity, compassion and renewal, values that remain central to the international programme.
