Saint Brigid is one of Ireland's most beloved saints, and today I'm delighted to introduce you to a group tour, planned for 2023, that will follow in the footsteps of Saint Brigid.
Today's guest post, by author Cindy Thomson, introduces her plans for an amazing tour of Ireland, in April 2023.
Plus, Cindy has graciously offered a copy of her book, Brigid of Ireland for one lucky reader to win.
Before I share details of the giveaway, let's first explore Saint Brigid's Ireland with Cindy.
Table of Contents
Touring Ireland with Cindy Thomson
Do you like reading? History? All things Irish? Me too!
I'm an author, genealogy enthusiast, and history buff. Like many of you, I have a special fondness for Ireland. A while back, I was contacted by Prime Tours in Dublin, Ohio, about doing a book club bus tour to Ireland!
We planned this for April 2023 so folks would have plenty of time to plan post-pandemic, but now it's just around the corner!
The tour revolves around the theme of my novel, Brigid of Ireland. We'll see sites associated with St. Brigid or influenced by her, along with several other amazing places, most of which I haven't been to, so we can explore together.
Going on a guided tour takes a lot of stress out of touring. I've never done that before, as my husband has always driven. I think it will be fun!
A Little Bit About Saint Brigid
Suppose you're not familiar with St. Brigid. In that case, she is one of the three patron saints of Ireland, along with Patrick and Columba (Columcille in Irish).
Several years ago, I wrote a novel about the early life of St. Brigid. The book went out of print, and I re-issued it. That's why you might see two different covers.
As I've presented at several Irish festivals in the US, I've found that Brigid of Ireland is still a favorite with readers.
It's been in print for 16 years! That's why the tour company decided to feature it.
Tour Itinerary - The Footsteps of Saint Brigid
This tour has been designed to follow in the footsteps of Saint Brigid. Here are a few of the sites we'll see:
We'll arrive in Dublin and visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells. This ancient, illuminated manuscript was created sometime between the 6th and 8th century, so it could have been made during Brigid's lifetime, at least in part. It's a wonder to see; the library will amaze all book lovers.
We will also visit the National Museum of Ireland and then travel on to the ancient monastic site of Glendalough.
I'm excited that we'll be visiting Kildare, the home of St. Brigid's Cathedral, St. Brigid's well, and the site of her ancient dual monastery (for men and women).
We'll also visit Jerpoint Abbey. While this site dates hundreds of years after St. Brigid lived, we'll still get a sense of that ancient time period and those who walked this land so long ago.
Lest you think this will be all ancient stuff, we'll be doing other fun things such as observing a sheepdog demonstration on a farm, visiting the Cliffs of Moher, spending free time exploring the city of Galway, listening to some traditional Irish music, and more!
I already know some really nice folks will be on this bus tour. If you're considering joining us, know that you'll be among friends. If you'd like more information, visit this site:
Cindy's Writing and Brigid of Ireland
If you'd like to know more about me, you can find me on my website, Cindy's Writing.
And feel free to join our Facebook readers group.
Even if you're not planning on coming on the book club bus tour, you can stay in touch in that group or sign up for my newsletter.
By the way, subscribers to my newsletter get a free ebook!
Haven't read Brigid of Ireland?
I'm giving away a copy!
If the winner is in the United States, they can choose an e-book or print copy. If the winner is outside the US, they can win an e-book copy.
I'd love to have you join us in Ireland in April 2023!
How To Enter Our Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a copy of Cindy Thomson's book, Brigid of Ireland.
To enter simply leave a comment on this blog post by noon Eastern time on Saturday July 9th, 2022.
You can write any comment you wish. What you write does not affect your chance of winning. If you need inspiration why not let us know if you feel a connection to Saint Brigid of Ireland.
If you live in Canada or Ireland, then please answer the following question in your comment by typing A, or B for the correct answer ...
Saint Brigid founded a monastery in County Kildare, Ireland.
A. True
B. False
A winning comment will be chosen randomly using the Pick Giveaway Winner WordPress plug-in.
Remember to leave your email so that I can contact you should you win. Your email won’t be published, just used to contact our winner to organize prize delivery.
The winner will be announced on Saturday July 9th, 2022 at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries here.
A big thank you to all who support this giveaway and share it with family and friends.
And many thanks to Cindy for sharing her upcoming tour of Ireland with us today and for generously sponsoring this prize for today's giveaway.
Update - Winner Chosen
Our winner has been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plug-in for WordPress.
And the lucky reader is ….
Suzanne
I’ll send an email to arrange mailing of her prize. A big thank you to everyone for supporting this giveaway by leaving comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how much you all admire Saint Brigid.
Thank you all for supporting our Irish American community.
And, thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Disclosure: Irish American Mom does not have a financial relationship with Prime Tours of Dublin, Ohio, nor with Cindy Thomson, author. No payment was received in exchange for publication of this post.
Rachel
This book will be a great read!
Irish American Mom
Hi Rachel - Saint Brigid is such a great main character for a novel. I find her intriguing.
All the best,
Mairéad
Patty
I was in Ireland this past March.I fell in love with the people and the country. Immediately ordered several books about the history of Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Patty - Lovely to hear you had a wonderful time in Ireland. It sounds like you experienced the warm welcome the Irish are renowned for.
All the best,
Mairéad
Amanda Highland
I just got back home to the US tonight after going on the most perfect bus tour of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland! We even visited the monastic site of Glendalough, it was unbelievable and its surrounding lake was gorgeous! We also drove the Ring of Kerry where I was able to get a Saint Brigid’s cross handmade by a local. I am in love with Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Amanda - How amazing to hear you had such a successful tour of Ireland. Glendalough is one of my favorite places to go hiking in Ireland. The monastery is nestled in the most spectacularly peaceful and tranquil valley. I love that place. I hope you will hang your new reed cross over your doorway and every time you see it, may it remind you of the blessings of Ireland and your wonderful trip.
All the best,
Mairéad
Suzanne
Thanks for a very informative web site. I’ve learned a lot about the Irish culture from you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Suzanne - I'm thrilled to be able to bring a little bit of Ireland to readers each and every week. Thanks so much for your support and for reading my recipes and ramblings. This website would not be possible without readers like you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Pauline
I love St. Brigid. And I love the st. Brigid cross. Would love to read your book.
Irish American Mom
Hi Pauline - The Saint Brigid's cross is a beautiful symbol of Ireland and this amazing saint. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Tricia Waellner
This book looks very interesting!!!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Tricia - Thanks for taking the time to enter our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Susan Feely
A few years ago I was in Ireland with family which included our daughter Brigid! I will put this book on my must read and Brigids also!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Susan - It sounds like this is a perfect read for your daughter. Lovely to hear she has a great Irish name.
All the best,
Mairéad
Nadine Shea Delany
My mother always said I would go further in life if my first name had been Brigid
Instead my father insisted on the name Nadene after a hill or hills near Ventry or Dingle where my grandparents lived,
Brigid is a beautiful ,name just like St Brigid …
Irish American Mom
Hi Nadine - Brigid will be with you whether you are named after her or not. Perhaps she climbed those hills near Ventry or Dingle when she roamed around Ireland many, many years ago. Thanks for stopping by this week to check out our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marilyn
Thank you for this generous giveaway. The book sounds interesting.
Marilyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - This is a great read for anyone with an interest in Ireland or Saint Brigid. Thanks for stopping by this week.
All the best,
Mairéad
Karen Peebles
I would really love to know more about St. Brigid.
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - Lovely to hear you too have an interest in Saint Brigid. Thanks for supporting our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Susan Rasmussen
Sounds very interesting, the book and tour!
Irish American Mom
Hi Susan - This tour has been thoughtfully created, with stops in so many interesting places. Cindy will be a wonderful tour leader. Thanks for taking the time to visit our corner of the internet this week.
All the best,
Mairéad
Joan
This book looks like my kind of book. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
Joan
Irish American Mom
Hi Joan - That's fantastic. It's always great to share books that readers might enjoy. Thanks for supporting our little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Michele
I love the tales about Brigid. Especially Brigid's Mantle. I'm also very intrigued by the fact that she was not only a Catholic Saint, but also a Pagan goddess.
Irish American Mom
Hi Michele - There are many wonderful legends of Saint Brigid that are interwoven with tales of the Goddess Brigid. She represents many sides of our Irish and Celtic heritage.
Thanks for checking out this book.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marion
I love reading about the saints. I have a large collection of Saint books. This would be a great addition to my library. Thank you for this generous giveaway.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Hi Marion - It sounds like this book would be right up your alley. Thanks for checking it out this week and for joining in our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deb Kemp
A
I’ve read a lot about her. I have a medal and an Irish friend made me two crosses out of rushes!
Irish American Mom
Hi Deb - Lovely to hear you too are interested in Saint Brigid. I have a small plaque with a Saint Brigid's Cross in my home, that reads "God bless this Irish home." I feel blessed when I look at it. Thanks for stopping by this week.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jen Davis
I was lucky enough to get to Ireland a few years ago and visited Brigid's well at Kildare and the ones in Liscannor and Killare along several other sacred sites, and it was a truly transformative trip. Now I will have to check out this novel.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jen - It sounds like you had a wonderful trip to Ireland. Holy wells and other ancient sites in Ireland are amazing spiritual places. You have to visit one to understand the stillness and peace to be found in Ireland's holy sites. Thanks for supporting our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary
A book give away! And it’s about a saint who lived in Ireland. It sounds wonderful. Hope you have a wonderful 4th! Mary
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Hope you too enjoy your Independence Day. Thanks for stopping by to support our little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sue Earnest
Going to check out the tour details. I’m a book lover and lover of all things Irish.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sue - So glad this post could introduce you to Cindy's tour. It might be just what you're looking for, or at least it may give you some ideas about what you might like.
All the best,
Mairéad
Susanne Brosnahan
Love your emails. My husband is Irish, Regan/Brosnahan, and me being Hungarian learned slot of fun sayings and traditions from his mother. My hairdresser is a Kilpatrick and named her daughter Brigid. Would love to win the book for her.
Blesdings, Susanne
Irish American Mom
Hi Susanne - I think this book would be perfect for your hairdresser, who named her daughter Brigid. I'm so glad you enjoy my emails and newsletters. It's lovely to connect with others who love Ireland too. It's wonderful that you are interested in your husband's heritage. Thanks for all your support.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deborah
The tour sounds really amazing!
Irish American Mom
Hi Deborah - Thanks for taking the time to check out this tour. It really sounds great.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lisa Busch
Hi Deborah. We would love to have you join us! Check it out at:
https://goprimetours.com/current-tours/brigids-ancient-ireland/
Lisa Busch - Prime Tours owner
Suzanne
This sounds like a very interesting book! I’d love to read it.
Irish American Mom
Hi Suzanne - Thanks for entering our giveaway and checking out this Irish book.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Janice L Reed
I'd love to read the book. A
Irish American Mom
Hi Janice - Thanks for supporting our little giveaway this week.
All the best,
Mairéad
maire b broderick
my grandmum was brigid and my middle name is too so yes the book would mean a lot to me.
Irish American Mom
Hi Marie - This book would be perfect for you. Lovely to hear your second name is after your grandmother's and Saint Brigid. Thanks for joining in our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary
I am a huge Irish History Buff as I am 1st generation Irish living in the United States. Would love to read your book and would also love to go on the tour but do have plans for next summer to over for a family event. Would love to read your book.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Lovely to hear you're a history buff. I think many of us Irish are intrigued by history. I love to learn about early Christian Ireland and how the Irish preserved their Celtic heritage by intertwining it with their new Christian faith. Thanks so much for checking out this tour and book.
All the best,
Mairéad
Dorian
Sounds like a wonderful book! I'm enchanted by Ireland but have yet to visit.
Irish American Mom
Hi Dorian - I hope you make it to Ireland someday in the not too distant future. Thanks for stopping by this week.
All the best,
Mairéad
Karen
Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this book; it looks interesting!
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - So glad you like this prize. Thanks for checking it out.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kandi
Sounds like a wonderful time!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kandi - This could be the perfect tour for any one who loves Irish history.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary
I would love to read this book. The tour sounds fantastic too. I’m horribly homesick for Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - The only cure for homesickness is a vist. I hope it won't be long before you can make it there. Thanks for checking out this book and tour.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lisa Busch
Hi Mary. I know what you mean about homesick for Ireland. I was fortunate enough to go every year from 2015-2019. Can't wait to get back there again to lead this tour. We'd love to have you join us.
Check it out: https://goprimetours.com/current-tours/brigids-ancient-ireland/
Lisa Busch - Prime Tours owner
Bill Kirnan
My daughter chose Brigid as her Confirmation name in honor of her mother, a native of Kildare, & we also have St. Brigid's crosses over our entrance doors in our house.
Irish American Mom
Hi Bill - I love the tradition of hanging a Saint Brigid’s Cross over our doorways. She protects us in our comings and goings. Thanks for sharing your family connection to Saint Brigid and Kildare.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Sullivan
Another great book suggested by Irish American Mom. Thank you for bringing these special books to our minds. I am looking forward to reading it.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - It’s an honor to be able to share lesser known books with Irish themes. Thanks for checking out this new suggestion.
All the best,
Mairéad
Shelia Willis
I'm always interested in finding out more about my heritage - sounds like a great read!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - So glad you've found our little corner of the internet to explore your Irish heritage.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kelly P.
Sounds like a great book, and the tour sounds wonderful, too! Thanks for the chance to win!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kelly - Thanks for taking the time to enter our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lisa Busch
Hi Kelly. Why not join us on the tour. It's open to everyone and there's no better time than now. Check it out:
https://goprimetours.com/current-tours/brigids-ancient-ireland/
Lisa Busch - Prime Tours owner
Betty Magennis
The answer is A.
Being married to an Irishman has certainly increased my interest in all things Irish. There is so much history there and I always feel that I have stepped back in time whenever we go to Ireland to visit my husband’s family. So many ancient sites to visit and there never seems to be enough time. I love the books on Irish history and a big thank you for the opportunity to win this book!
Irish American Mom
Hi Betty - There's never a shortage of places to see and things to do in Ireland. There's history all around. Lovely to hear you enjoy your trips to Ireland, and find Irish history so interesting. Thanks for stopping by this week.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kathy Madden
The answer is A. My parents had St. Brigid’s Cross hanging in their home made of reeds. Both of my parents have passed on, so I am the proud owner of the cross which is hung in my home. I would love to learn more about St. Brigid and this book sounds like a good place to start. Thank you Mairead and God bless.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathy - How wonderful to still own and display your parents' St. Brigid's Cross. Our patron saint will look down on you and bless you. Thanks for checking out this week's installment about Saint Brigid.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marie Nilles
Have been to Ireland twice. Love anything that has to do with Ireland
Irish American Mom
Hi Marie - Lovely to hear you too love Ireland. You've found the best corner of the internet to celebrate your Irish heritage.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sheila McTeague
How I would love to read more about St Brigid. My husband has a few relatives that have her name sake. And I always had a cross above my door. I forget what happened to my one when 1st got married. But my son in law gave me another as a gift. We moved and now it's above our new door. We visited St Brigid's well about 6 yrs ago. Although I don't think it's same one. (I took photos with a regular camera. Its my phone that gives me more info) For it was near Cliffs of Moher and there was a cemetery across from it. It was a serene and eye opening place. I left a stone for my dad too. Thank you for the chance. It will be a treat to read.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - How thoughtful of your son to replace your missing Saint Brigid's Cross. Lovely to hear it is hanging over the door of your new home. There are many Saint Brigid's wells found all over Ireland. Many date back to the time of the Celts. Ireland's holy wells are very spiritual places. I think I should add this topic to my to write list. Thanks so much for stopping by this week.
All the best,
Mairéad
John Ongena
Saint Brigid, just another fine example of the greatness of Ireland!!!
Irish American Mom
Hi John - She is a legendary yet very real role model for Irish people, even today. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Wanda Stone
I enjoy reading all books about Ireland,
Irish American Mom
Hi Wanda - It sounds like you would enjoy this book too.
All the best,
Mairéad
Christine Irwin
Answer is A
Irish American Mom
Hi Christine - thanks for joining our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Brigid O'Hara Koshko
I have always wondered about the Saint I was named after. I would love to read about her.
Irish American Mom
Hi Brigid - Saint Brigid was a formidable woman, and her legacy remains with us today, over 1500 years after she walked the land of Ireland. You are named after an amazing saint.
All the best,
Mairéad
Barbara
I’m going to have to read this one. If I don’t win a copy, I’ll check my local library first. So sweet of you to offer a free copy of your book to some lucky winner.
Irish American Mom
Hi Barbara - Lovely to learn you appreciate our book recommendations here on Irish American Mom. Thanks for checking this one out.
All the best,
Mairéad
Dianna
I look forward to reading this book.
Irish American Mom
Hi Dianna - I hope you'll enjoy this book about one of Ireland's favorite saints.
All the best,
Mairéad
Karen B O'Brien
The book sounds like a great read.
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lynn
I was in Kildare during the lighting of the sacred flame in the town square and also visited Brigid's well. We even named our dog Brigid!
Irish American Mom
Hi Lynn - It's so wonderful that Kildare town commemorated its most famous inhabitant ever with that sacred flame. Brigid is still an important person in Irish history and culture. Thanks for supporting our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lois S Myzick
Love learning more about Ireland, its people, its history, and its food!
Irish American Mom
Hi Lois - So glad you found our little corner of the internet. There's lots and lots of information to discover to help you explore your Irish heritage. Thanks so much for entering our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lisa Busch
Hi Lois. No better way to learn than in person. We'd love to have you join us on the tour so you can meet the people and taste the food. Check it out: https://goprimetours.com/current-tours/brigids-ancient-ireland/
Lisa Busch - Prime Tours owner
Jean
My mother’s name was Brigid and when I was part of a Religious Community my name was Sister Brigid Ann … still celebrate her feast day.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jean - Sister Brigid Ann was such a significant name to chose for someone of Irish descent. Lovely to hear you too celebrate Saint Brigid. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Patricia A Jensen
I have enjoyed reading your posts and learning about Ireland. And this book sounds amazing. Thanks for all your sharing
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - Many thanks to you too for following along and reading my recipes and ramblings. If nobody read my writings, there would be no point to this exercise. I feel honored to be part of this thriving Irish American community.
All the best,
Mairéad
Cat McCormick
What an interesting read this would be. I always associate St Brigid with my mother Bridget born in Tuam. She was always the protector of our home.
Irish American Mom
Hi Cat - Both Brigid and Bridget are looking down from heaven with blessings of protection for you. Thanks for sharing your lovely memories of your mother.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sheila Kearney
You always come up with such interesting and informative blogs and giveaways! I bought myself a St. Brigid's cross many years ago when I first started getting into my Irish Ancestry. Thank you for introducing us to new authors of Irish-themed books. I started following Cindy on social media. I'm interested in all her books now!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - I'm delighted this post could introdce you to Cindy's writing. Thanks for choosing to explore your Irish heritage here in our little corner of the internet.
All the best,
Mairéad
Misty Bateman
My mom and I love reading all the interesting things you post and we have tried a few of the the recipes! Keep it up!
Irish American Mom
Hi Misty - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings. I'm so glad you enjoy reading my stories and have enjoyed a few of my recipes.
All the best,
Mairéad
Cindy Thomson
Wow, thank you, Mairéad, for sharing about my writing and my tour. Thank you all for your encouraging comments. The life of the writer can be isolating at times so it's such a blessing to hear how many are interested. I included this blessing in my book The Roots of Irish Wisdom, and would like to share it with you. "Sweet heaven's smile gleamed o'er the Isle, that gems the dreary sea, one far gone day, and flash'd its ray, more than a thousand years away, Pure Bridget, over thee."-Rev. Abram J. Ryan, From St. Brigid, Patroness of Ireland, translated by Joseph A. Knowles
Irish American Mom
Hi Cinday - Thanks so much for dtopping by and for sharing that beatuiful quotation about Saint Brigid. It is truly beautiful. Thanks also for sharing your book and your upcoming tour with readers of Irish American Mom. It's always lovely to connect with others who love Ireland. I'll be in touch once our winner is announced and I have their address to forward to you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen (Renee) Wright
My Grandmother was Bridget from Ireland in the early 1900's/ When she passed I was 13 and did not think to ask more about her childhood or voyage to USA . Wish I had. we grew up in the same house as my Grandmother and I remember sitting on her lap and she deedle le deede us. visited the farm where she was born 5 yrs ago and brought back small stones go place at the headstones of she and her sisters that are burried in our home town. Am planning a trip again next year. So maybe?
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - How lovely that you got to visit the farm where you grandmother was born and grew up. I love that you took a few stones and laid them near her headstone. I hope your trip next year will be wonderful. Thanks so much for stopping by to check out this book about Saint Brigid, your grandmother's namesake.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lisa Busch
Hello Everyone! It was so exciting to read all your comments and see you enthusiasm for my favorite country in the world. My name is Lisa Busch and I am the co-owner of Prime Tours who is hosting this tour with Cindy.
I went on my first trip to Ireland in 2015 with Prime Tours as a guest and instantly fell in love. Like Cindy, I am also a genealogy enthusiast, and I loved learning more about the land of my ancestors. So 4 years later when I had the chance to buy the company I had traveled with I jumped at it. Now I get to help other people make their travel dreams come true.
If Cindy sparked your desire to explore Ireland, I invite you to check out the tour on our website at: https://GoPrimeTours.com/current-tours/brigids-ancient-ireland/
International tourism is back and we'd love to have you join us!
Lisa Busch ~ Prime Tours owner
Irish American Mom
Hi Lisa - Thanks so much for stopping by and joining in our conversation about your upcoming tour to Ireland in 2023. Your itinerary sounds wonderful, and I'm sure you will have a lovely time with Cindy and all those who join the tour.
How wonderful to own your own travel agency now, and to learn that Ireland is your favorite country. It truly is a welcoming place, with lots to see and too.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jackie
A
Irish American Mom
Hi Jackie - Thanks for entering our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad