Development
Ancient wisdom for new times
Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages will be a Spirituality Centre in the spirit of Brigid of Kildare, Patroness, of Ireland.
We, Brigidine Sisters, set up a small Christian Centre for Celtic Spirituality in our home in Kildare town in 1992. The Centre, Solas Bhride (Brigid’s light/flame) has become a popular destination for the many pilgrims and visitors, local, national and international, interested in the traditions, values and customs associated with Brigid of Kildare.
The Future
The growing numbers have created an urgent need for a larger Centre and Hermitages. In response, the Brigidines purchased a site in 2007 and have created a €4.75 million Development Plan for a unique ecologically sustainable Centre and Hermitages.
This is evolving in partnership with women and men of similar vision.
Will you be part of this future?
The Development
Location
The Development is located south of Kildare town on a 3.5 acre site. It is close to St. Brigid’s well and within walking distance of St. Brigid’s Cathedral, the original monastic site. It is adjacent to the Irish National Stud and is surrounded by The Curragh Plain which is known locally as St. Brigid’s Pastures.
According to legend, St. Brigid’s cloak spread over the Curragh Plain when the King of Leinster finally consented to give her land to build her monastery in the 5th century. She spreads her cloak again in the 21st century. Kildare, Cill Dara in Gaelic (meaning Church of the Oak) got its name from St. Brigid who built her monastery close to an oak tree.
Solas Bhríde Centre and Hermitages will have:
• Reception and exhibition space
• Conference room
• Four self-catering hermitages
• Spirituality education and library area
• Hospitality room
• Chapel / prayer room
• Spiritual accompanying / counselling room
• Meeting room
• Residential facilities for two staff members
• Ancillary service and utility spaces
The Hermitages will provide an opportunity for pilgrims to stay and experience solitude and quiet in a nurturing atmosphere.
Design and Landscape
The design of the Centre is inspired by the evocative imagery of Brigid’s legacy and legends and is centred on ecological concerns. The Centre and gardens will be integrated into a natural landscape with a meditative garden, labyrinth and cosmic walk.
The many thousands of pilgrims and visitors who come to Kildare and experience the rituals and celebrations at St Brigid’s Wells will be further enriched by the new landscape and its meditative and uplifting features.