Minister McEntee Launches Global Celebration of Creativity, Culture and Women’s Empowerment

Minister McEntee Launches Global Celebration of Creativity, Culture and Women's Empowerment

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 1 February 2026
• Last updated on: 1 February 2026

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, has launched the Department's ninth international St Brigid's Day programme, celebrating the creativity and achievements of women around the world.

This year, 65 Irish Embassies and Consulates will mark St Brigid's Day 2026 (Lá Fhéile Bríde), making it the largest diplomatic programme yet to honour this distinctive Irish celebration.

Through Ireland's global network of Embassies and Consulates, the programme will showcase the achievements of Irish women worldwide with a wide range of events. These will be delivered in partnership with local cultural institutions, artists, academics, civil society organisations and Irish diaspora communities, ensuring the celebrations are both diverse and far-reaching.

A digital media campaign will also run as part of this year's programme, highlighting the significance of St Brigid's Day and its role in recognising the contribution of Irish women across the globe. The campaign video features 'Belly' by Irish singer-songwriter Niamh Regan as its soundtrack.

Commenting on the programme, Minister McEntee said: "St Brigid's Day is an opportunity to shine a light on Ireland's truly inspiring women and to recognise the vital contributions they make to communities around the world.

"Since its launch in 2018, the St Brigid's Day diplomatic programme has grown into a global celebration that reflects Ireland's values and our commitment to inclusion, diversity and gender equality. I look forward to seeing the power of women in action and celebrating the richness of Ireland's international engagement."

Across the globe, the programme will place a strong focus on celebrating women's creativity, talent and leadership in the arts, public life, sport, science, business and community action. By promoting cultural exchange between Ireland and host countries, the initiative supports women's empowerment through dialogue, visibility and collaboration.

Events will include literary festivals, panel discussions, artistic performances, exhibitions, film screenings, workshops and community receptions, delivered both in person and online. Together, these events, organised by Irish diplomatic missions worldwide, will create spaces to celebrate the lives, voices and achievements of women.

ENDS

Press Office

01 February 2026

Note for Editors

Observed annually on 1 February, St Brigid's Day honours one of Ireland's patron saints and marks the beginning of spring in the Irish calendar. The values traditionally associated with St Brigid - creativity, compassion and renewal - are at the heart of the international programme, shaping a contemporary celebration that highlights women's achievements while fostering dialogue, collaboration and connection across cultures.

St Brigid's Day events are taking place in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Latin America, demonstrating the scale and diversity of Ireland's international engagement. Further information on events organised by Irish embassies and consulates worldwide is available via local embassy websites and social media channels.

The global programme will be shared online through the Department's social media channels and on Ireland.ie at St Brigid's Day | Ireland.ie to promote participation and engagement from Irish people home and abroad, allowing audiences to explore the global range of the programme.

Ireland.ie is the official international website of the Irish Government. It is managed and curated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on behalf of the Government of Ireland.

Ireland.ie provides official information about passports, travel advice, and consular services abroad, and hosts the websites of Ireland's global network of 100+ Embassies and Consulates. The platform supports Ireland's international interests by promoting Ireland as a place to visit, study, invest and do business, and by showcasing stories of Ireland's role and impact globally.

ENDS