The Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival began yesterday and is running until February 2.

The festival is taking place across Killorglin, Cromane and the wider Mid-Kerry region, bringing together craft, music, language, ritual and community in the lead-up to St Brigid’s Day.

At the heart of the festival is the ancient Biddy tradition, rooted in Imbolc and the honouring of St Brigid, a time associated with light, renewal, creativity and protection.

Over twelve days, the festival offers a wide mix of family-friendly, traditional and contemporary events, culminating in its most anticipated moment of the year: The Biddy’s Parade.

The parade, taking place on Saturday January 31,is the centrepiece and defining event of the festival.

On parade night, Killorglin town is transformed as Biddy groups from across Mid-Kerry gather in straw hats and traditional costume, carrying Brídeógs through the streets in a powerful procession of fire, music, movement and celebration.

The parade is free, open to all to join in or support, and remains one of the most atmospheric and visually striking expressions of living Irish folklore in the country.

Fire performers, live music and street celebrations follow, before the night continues into the town’s venues.

Founded in 2017, the Mid-Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival has been instrumental in reviving a tradition that had been in serious decline.

From just two active Biddy groups less than a decade ago, the region now supports a growing network of groups, with children, families and new communities actively involved.

The 2026 festival continues this work, blending heritage with creativity and ensuring the tradition remains relevant, inclusive and alive.

It is the end of an era for High Street this week as Marguerite’s Restaurant, still fondly known to generations of locals as Scéal Eile, has closed its doors for the final time.

The closure marks the end of more than 30 years of business at the popular town centre landmark.

The restaurant underwent a major refurbishment and name change in 2021.

Operated by the Condon family of Marguerite’s Home Bakery in Newcastle West, the café was rebranded from Scéal Eile to Marguerites at that time, though the name Scéal Eile remained synonymous with the premises for many locals.

In a poignant closing notice shared on social media, manager Annette Horgan expressed how difficult it was to put the restaurant’s legacy into words.

She described the business as far more than just a workplace, calling it a “second home” filled with treasured memories and lasting friendships.

Annette extended a sincere thank you to the loyal customers and friends whose kindness and familiar faces supported the business over the decades.

She also paid tribute to the professionalism and teamwork of the management and staff, both past and present.

The message included a special tribute to two late colleagues and dear friends, Kaye and Marie, who were remembered with love.

Annette also extended her thanks to the Condon family, wishing them success in their future retirements.

“As this chapter comes to a close for me, I will carry with me the wonderful memories and the many special people I have had the privilege to meet throughout the years,” she added.