Events are continuing in Co Louth this long weekend to commemorate the birth and legacy of Saint Brigid.
Tradition holds that Ireland's iconic matron saint was born at sunrise on 1 February 452 in Faughart, just north of Dundalk, Co Louth. Her life was characterised by healing, fertility, poetry and care for the land.
A celebration is taking place in Louth this weekend, coinciding with Ireland's most recently introduced public holiday.
Art exhibitions, cross-making workshops, pilgrimages and light shows have been taking place in Faughart.
The celebrations will culminate in a candlelit procession this evening, starting at St Brigid's Shrine at Faughart and concluding at Faughart Graveyard.
Organisers say the ancient-style candlelit procession is open to everyone and will be led by robed figures, a lone drummer and local schoolchildren.
It culminates at the Hill of Faughart with a fire-lit motte, candlelit ruins and a Gregorian chant, honouring Brigid's connection to Co Louth and her legacy as a Celtic goddess.
Tomorrow will see tours of Faughart's sacred sites being offered by local historian and horticulturist Róisín Cotter, starting at the Old Faughart Graveyard and concluding 1km later at St Brigid's Shrine.
Meanwhile, those just passing through or with less free time over the long weekend are invited to pick up a copy of the Brigid's trail map and guide, which highlights key sites, including the Brigid of Faughart mural in Dundalk, St Brigid's Shrine and the Holy Well in Faughart.
The map and guide is available from the local tourist office or can be downloaded from the Visit Louth website.
St Brigid's Day was originally a pre-Christian festival called Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring in the Celtic calendar, or the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
For many across the country this bank holiday weekend, they will be hoping the feast day of Ireland's matron saint marks the start of brighter days to come.