Claire Roche, singer harpist performing Gabhain Molta Bhride (gabhain molta bhride.wmv by celticways)

Here is Claire Roche, singer and harpist from Dublin, performing Gaghain Molta Bhride, a Gaelic song dedicated to St. Brigid, in the Roundhouse of Brigit's Garden, Co. Galway.

(sorry about the mysterious crackling on the video clip)

The translation of the song is

I praise to Brigid
She is praised in Ireland
She is praised in all countries
Let us all praise her

The bright torch of Leinster
Shining throughout the country
Head of Irish youth
Head of our gentle women

The house of winter is very dark
Cutting with its sharpness
But on Saint Brigid's Day
Spring is near to us in Ireland

Brigit's Garden, where Claire is performing, is a sanctuary of magic near the enchanting Lough Corrib lake and a gateway to Connemara. This is an 11-acre garden that bring to life the heritage of the four Celtic fire festivals through nature, art and unique gardens. This is a place for relaxation, wonder, inspiration and to play like a child again.

IN addition to the beautiful presentation of the four fire festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltaine and Lughnasa there are nature walks, a Wind Chamber that is a awesome re-creation of an ancient passage cairn, a Fairy Fort, an ogham language woodland and the largest sundial in Ireland. This sundial reveals both the time and date with a mysterious pointed bogwood branch creating the precise point for the sun shadow to follow.undial, the largest sundial in Ireland.

These unique and peaceful gardens were designed by award-winning Irish designer Mary Reynolds. She has been inspired by ancient themes and then created a contemporary styled set of gardens with an oustanding creative use of earth, water and stone. The sculptures and craftwork in the gardens were specially commissioned from leading Irish artists, and the natural looking flora displays are mainly native of Co. Galway so they reflect and bond into the West of Ireland landscape.

This is a perfect family-friendly place as there is so much that appeals to and can be shared by all ages. This is a popular destination for school tours because this is an outstanding place for enjoying the best fun along with extremely valuable learning.

Brigit’s Garden is a not-for-profit organisation. In addition to running tours and a variety of education programmes for all ages, there are regular music and arts festivals and quiet meditation times.

Education programmes include how to make Brigid crosses, using herbs, cookery, wild flower gardening, yoga and meditation techniques, country crafts and more.

Brigit's Garden is well signposted with their familiar green letters on white background large signs, 2 kms from the N59 between Moycullen and Oughterard, only about 20 minutes from Galway city.

Now open all year round every year between 10.00 am to 5.30 pm. From October until mid-April it is wise to phone ahead to make sure the garden is not closed for the day.

Their Garden Café is worth a visit alone, serving quality healthy lunches, teas, and the best scones in ireland. Ample wheelchair access, several toilets and free parking .

Founded and managed by the wonderful Jenny Beale

Tel: +353 91 550905
Fax: +353 91 550491
Email: info@galwaygarden.com
Web: www.brigitsgarden.ie