The Last Witch Bridget Cleary

Category: Theatre / Events & Festivals
Location: Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, County Kildare, W12 D962
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Price: €20 / €18 concession
Duration: 45 minutes, followed by a short Q&A
Best for: Theatre, Irish history, folklore, true stories and thought-provoking performance

Overview

The Last Witch Bridget Cleary is an intimate solo performance based on the real events surrounding the death of Bridget Cleary in County Tipperary in 1895.

Often described as Ireland’s last witch burning, Bridget’s killing became one of the country’s most disturbing and widely discussed cases. Through storytelling and historical detail, the performance examines the beliefs, tensions and social conditions that led to her death.

About the performance

Blending folklore, land politics and social history, the production explores how fear, superstition and community pressure can take hold.

At the centre of the story is Bridget herself. Rather than treating her only as a figure from folklore, the performance seeks to restore her humanity and place her life within the social realities of late nineteenth-century Ireland.

What to expect

The production is reflective and historically grounded, using a solo theatrical performance to bring the story to life.

The main performance lasts approximately 45 minutes and is followed by a short question-and-answer session, giving the audience an opportunity to engage further with the history and themes behind the work.

Venue

The event takes place at:

Riverbank Arts Centre
Main Street
Newbridge
County Kildare
W12 D962

Please note that this is a reduced-capacity performance because of expected building works beside Newbridge Library. The auditorium seating plan may be adjusted to accommodate those works.

Booking information

Tickets cost €20, with a reduced ticket price of €18 available.

Buy tickets from Riverbank Arts Centre

Advance booking is recommended because capacity is expected to be limited.