There are calls for the 1st of February to be made a public holiday.
St Brigid's Day or Lá Fhéile Bríde marks the start of spring in the ancient Gaelic tradition.
It's thought Brigid was originally worshipped as a pagan goddess -- which means the tradition dates back to the Iron Age and beyond.
Críostóir Ó Faoláin is the Green Party Local Area Rep for Dungarvan.
"Ireland has among the fewest public holidays in the world. While many countries in Europe have 12 or 13 public holidays in the year, Ireland lags behind with only 9."
He says it's about celebrating new beginnings
"St. Brigid, formerly the pre-Christian Bríghid is connected to Imbolg, an ancient festival celebrating the first day of Spring. Lá Fhéile Bríde is a celebration of the natural world, new beginnings, and new life.
Críostóir Ó Faoláin says this time of the year is very depressing.
"The longest period without a bank holiday on the Irish calendar is the stretch from New Year’s Day, January 1st to St. Patrick’s Day, 17th of March.
"This is also one of the most depressing times of the year, with Winter celebrations over and daylight hours in short supply. The 1st of February is a perfect day to welcome the Spring and the return of light."
He added, "Lá Fhéile Bríde has additional significance in that it would be the first public holiday to be associated with a woman. While many of our public holidays are dedicated to male religious figures, we have no public holiday dedicated to celebrating the contribution of women to our society. Lá Fhéile Bríde could become a national day to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Irish women."
