Kildare cathedral to host RTÉ Christmas special

Kilcloon singer Lisa Hannigan to perform with concert orchestra

RTÉ will broadcast its annual television and radio seasonal special called ‘Christmas in Kildare’, from St Brigid’s Cathedral on Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24th December) on RTÉ One (9.25pm), RTÉ Lyric FM (7.00pm) and to a worldwide audience on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ’s annual Christmas show is presented by Marty Whelan and Kildare native Celine Byrne. This year’s broadcast also marks the 1,500th anniversary of the death of St Brigid, Ireland’s female patron saint.

This special seasonal programme features the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by Gavin Maloney, with musical guests including Bell X1’s Paul Noonan, Kilcloon singer Lisa Hannigan, Rhiannon Giddens, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha with Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Kingfishr, Dulciana, and star soprano Celine Byrne.

The Dean of Kildare, Very Rev Isobel Jackson said: “I am so delighted that RTÉ have chosen our wonderful Cathedral of St Brigid for their ‘Christmas in Kildare’ broadcast. As we conclude our celebrations of Brigid 1500, we hold on to the immensely positive year with people engaging with the legacy of St Brigid and the significance of her pointing towards the light of the world, how perfectly seasonal."

Founded by St Brigid in 480 AD, her original hilltop Church of the Oak ('Cill Dara' in Irish), gave rise to the name of the town, county and diocese of Kildare. Today the 801 year old stone cathedral lies at the heart of Kildare Town.