In March 1895, Bridget Cleary, a 26-year-old seamstress from Co. Tipperary was burned to death by her husband, who had convinced himself, and then her family and neighbours, that she had been taken by the fairies and replaced with a changeling.
The case became known internationally as the last witch burning in Ireland. She was buried at night, without mourners.
Bridget is the first film by Anne Williamson, who grew up two townlands from where it happened, hearing the story at her grandfather's fireside. it sets a present-day framing in colour against a black-and-white retelling of Bridget's final days, shot by cinematographer Louis Buggy of Kilkenny's Diceman Films. It carries an original ballad, The Maid of Old Clooneen, written and sung by Chris Kavanagh.
The screening is followed by a Q&A with Anne Williamson.
Ages 15+
Part of Kilkenny's Toil & Trouble Festival
Readers are advised to check with the organiser before relying on the details published here.
Event details
Venue
Billy Byrne's Gastro Bar & Venue
Dates
31 October 2026
Time
Start 12:00End 13:00
Price
10
