A groundbreaking new project has been launched by female-led organisation Emerald LENS CIC to document the experiences of women of Irish heritage in the UK.
Supported by £138,759 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with match funding from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies, the initiative will run until February 2027, combining creative workshops and exhibitions to preserve stories that might otherwise be lost
At the heart of the project is the St Brigid’s Arms, a fictional venue created as a space to house and celebrate these histories. The venue will come to life both as a physical showcase in Liverpool in the latter part of 2026 and a lasting interactive digital experience.
The project launches in the same year as the 1500th anniversary of the death of St Brigid – one of Ireland’s three patron saints, known for her association with creativity, protection, and community. Like a traditional Irish pub, the St Brigid’s Arms will serve as a gathering place, where experiences of migration, identity, and heritage are shared through art and storytelling.
Workshops will take place in Liverpool, Manchester, and Leeds, with support from Stretford Public Hall, Leeds Irish Arts Foundation, and Liverpool Irish Festival. Individuals who identify as women – including both people born in Ireland and those with Irish ancestry – will be invited to explore profound questions about their identity.
This could include:
What does “Irishness” look like when no longer in Ireland?
What does this look like when it is passed down from one generation to another?
What is it like to be of mixed-Irish heritage?
What impact have Irish heritage communities had on the areas in which they live?
What does Irish culture look like to a first generation compared with a second or third generation?
As collective experiences emerge, works such as paintings, sculptures, music, dance, film, and more will be collated into themed rooms of the St Brigid’s Arms. The resulting work will be the first large-scale attempt to capture the experiences of women of Irish heritage in the North of England.
Emerald LENS is a Community Interest Company based in Greater Manchester. It specialises in projects that explore untold histories, particularly those of underrepresented communities, using creativity as a tool for connection, dialogue and empowerment. St Brigid’s Arms is the brainchild of Cheshire-based multidisciplinary artist Lydia O’Hara and Emerald LENS Director, Rosarie Walsh.
With Irish roots herself and a history of delivering impactful heritage projects, Rosarie Walsh has long been interested in the ways in which migration shapes identity and belonging. She said:
“There is an urgent need to capture the voices of Irish women in the UK before their stories are lost. This project will give space to experiences that have too often gone unheard, celebrating the resilience and creativity of this community. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can ensure these histories are preserved for future generations.”
Alongside her extensive art career, Lydia O’Hara is also an art therapist with experience in using the arts to support mental health and community wellbeing. She added:
“This project is not only about exploring Irish heritage but also about creating new opportunities for women to share their experiences through art. At a time when the world needs more understanding and connection, we’re excited to bring people together in creative and meaningful ways.”
To stay updated on workshops, events, and opportunities to get involved in St Brigid’s Arms, follow @emeraldlenscic on Instagram and Facebook.
