This autumn, the University of Liverpool’s Victoria Gallery & Museum presents, St Brigid’s Arms, an innovative exhibition shining a spotlight on the experiences of women of Irish heritage in the north of England.
Running from 3 October 2026 – 17 April 2027, the free exhibition takes the form of a fictional pub, St Brigid’s Arms or Tábhairne Naomh Bríd. The full-scale immersive installation also includes a recreation of a domestic dwelling. Here, untold stories of women from the Irish diaspora are told through oral histories, visual arts, music, dance, and film created by the women whose story they represent.
The exhibition has been co-created by Lydia O’Hara and Rosarie Walsh through Emerald LENS, a female-led Community Interest Company based in Greater Manchester. The CIC works across the North of England and is dedicated to uncovering and sharing the untold stories of underrepresented communities. The project is supported by £138,759 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and match funding from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies.
Since receiving funding in January 2025, Emerald LENS has been delivering creative workshops in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, capturing and preserving stories that might otherwise be lost. The project nods to 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 female migration, identity, and heritage are shared creatively.
Through the creative activities, oral histories and group discussion, women with Irish heritage from first-generation migrants to fifth-generation descendants came together to reflect on their experiences of identity, heritage, and belonging through the arts. Participants explored questions including: what does Irishness mean away from Ireland? How is cultural identity shaped and passed between generations? What does it mean to be of mixed Irish heritage? How have Irish communities influenced the places they call home? And am I Irish enough?
Participants said: “The connections and friendship between the group were so strong and expertly nurtured by the facilitators. LOVED IT!”
“This project was a cathartic release where all emotions and expectations were explored, welcomed, celebrated and shared. Incredible experience.”
Emerald LENS Director, Rosarie Walsh said: “This project has been a deeply personal and emotional journey. Listening to the stories of other Irish women in the North of England has opened my eyes to the richness, resilience and complexity of our shared experience. It has reinforced how important it is to create space for these voices to be heard, celebrated and preserved. Thanks to the National Lottery players, we can ensure these stories are recorded, shared and passed on, helping future generations connect with this important part of our collective heritage.”
Cheshire-based multidisciplinary artist and co-creator of the exhibition, Lydia O’Hara said: “It has been a privilege to work with so many talented and interesting women, bonding over shared aspects of our Irish identities and learning about our differences. At a time when the world needs more understanding and connection, we are so proud of the sense of togetherness the St Brigid’s Arms has created.”
Professor Pete Shirlow, Director of the Institute of Irish Studies said: “The Institute of Irish Studies is home to world-leading research into Ireland’s culture, history and politics, and we’re delighted to be supporting this innovative project, which tells the story of women of Irish heritage in the North of England.
“Emerald LENS has delivered an outstanding programme of community engagement, and our thanks go to those who facilitated the workshops, as well as to those who participated and shared their stories with such candour and generosity.
“We’re delighted to have supported the project, and we’re sure its culmination at the Victoria Gallery & Museum will shine an important spotlight on these testimonies and the creativity with which they are told.”
This project has been made possible by several partners and supporters. The Liverpool Irish Festival has supported the initiative, offering space to develop ideas and receive feedback, as well as facilitating relationships with other relevant organisations and individuals. Safe spaces for workshops have been provided by the University’s Victoria Gallery & Museum, Stretford Public Hall, Manchester and HEART Headingley, Leeds.
The Consulate General of Ireland in Manchester, Irish Community Care Manchester & Liverpool, Leeds Irish Health & Homes, Leeds Irish Arts Foundation, and Fréa all played a role in encouraging women of Irish heritage to participate.
Image captions:
Lead image: St Brigid’s Arms Dance Performance, 2026 (video still) co-created by Lydia O’Hara, Rosarie Walsh, Maria Malone, and workshop participants. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and University of Liverpool. © Lydia O’Hara & Rosarie Walsh / Emerald LENS CIC
Image 2: St Brigid’s Arms Brick, 2025-6 (pastel drawing on cardboard) by workshop participant. One of over 400 cardboard ‘bricks’ that will make up the outside wall of the fictional building the St Brigid’s Arms. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and University of Liverpool. © Participants / Emerald LENS CIC.
Image 3: Margaret, 2026 (black and white photograph) by Lydia O’Hara. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and University of Liverpool. © Lydia O’Hara / Emerald LENS CIC