Additional Learning Resources for The Build Your Masterpiece Class | Adventures in Ireland: Adventure 3: Lesson 1: Saint Brigid of Ireland

Today we will be learning about Saint Brigid of Kildare, Ireland with books, crafts, hands-on projects, art and of course, a traditioanl recipe and additional learning resoucres with our QR Code.

OPTIONAL BOOKS:

Saint Brigid the Fearless by Ann Carroll

Brigid's Cloak byBryce Milligan

Brigid and the Butter by Pamela Love

THE TOWN OF KILDARE

There is a rich heritage and history in the town of Kildare, which dates from the 5th century, when it was the site of the original 'Church of the Oak' and monastery founded by Saint Brigid. This became one of the three most important Christian foundations in Celtic Ireland. It was said that Brigid's mother was a Christian and that Brigid was reared in her father's family, that is with the children of his lawful wife. From her mother, Brigid learned dairying and the care of the cattle, and these were her occupations after she made a vow to live a life of holy chastity. Both Saint Mel of Ardagh and Bishop Mac Caille have been credited with the consecration of Brigid and some companions, after which the woman established a community beneath an oak tree, on a hill on the edge of the Curragh. Hence the name Cill Dara, the church of the oak.

Learn more about the History of Saint Brigid with these Additional Vidoes:

Saint Brigid’s Prayer

Learn and see more about Saint Brigid’s Cathedral, in Kildare Ireland, which we featured in our lesson plan page about Saint Brigid:

This cathedral has a tower in the court yard, built by the Normans, and the original would have been built in wood. What do you think of this beautiful cathedral? It has a round tower, and if it had tis top, would be the tallest round tower in all of Ireland, and is 108 feet high. Granite base, and 12 feet high is lime stone, and they tapper in from the base and is the reason why it is still standing today. It predates the cathedral, around the 11th century. It was known it was built to warn about Vikings, but also a bell tower to inform the village of what was coming, guest or enemies. It was the way to communicate in ancient times.

What is your favourite thing about this cathedral?

Interested to learn more about the Mythology behind the Celtic/Irish differences between Saint Brigid, and the Goddess Brigid? Watch this video below:

(Pleas note, parents please watch this before your children to make sure the content is approved by you before you teach it.)

Poem about “Brigit of the Oak” by Ruth Marshall