Spring is right around the corner! That means more sunshine, flowers blooming and the color green as far as the eye can see. When most people think of the word “green” it’s most associated with money, but as soon as March comes along three little words give the word a whole new meaning; St. Patrick’s Day.
That’s right, St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 of every year, due to the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death. St. Patrick was actually a Roman boy who was enslaved by the Irish and eventually helped introduce Christianity as the prevalent religion to Ireland.
The reason that the four-leaf clover is looked upon as a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day is all because of St. Patrick. There is a legend that states that St. Patrick used the clover as an example to explain the Holy Trinity while converting a pagan Irish king.
Now that you know the history behind the holiday, to be able to best experience the celebration Ireland is the place to go. More specifically Dublin, Ireland. The St. Patrick’s Day Festival is held in Dublin every year and is celebrated as the country’s most extravagant holiday. This year it is being held from March 14-17.
Along with the festival, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the time to see everyone dressed in their best green attire and proudly sporting the Irish flag.
While getting to celebrate and party is a large part of the holiday, it’s only part of it. Another reason to visit Ireland during St. Patrick’s Day is all about the beer. If there is one country that takes drinking seriously, it would be Ireland. Not only will the beer be green, in spirit of the holiday, it will also be some of the best beer that can be found in the world.
Another festival that celebrates the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day would be the Irish Beer and Whiskey Festival. This festival is the one to participate if you want to experience everything Irish including beer, cider, whiskey, food, entertainment and more.
So come March 17 put on your lucky green shirt, grab a group of friends and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like they do in Ireland: with pubs, parades and partying.
I really enjoyed your article Lauren. I’m an Irish Murphy descendent and just went home for the St. Patty’s parade in Savannah, GA. It’s the third biggest in the country after NYC and Boston. It’s so much fun, but sooo packed full of drunkards. This article was a good reminder of the true meaning of this very green holiday! My family and I are taking a trip to Ireland this summer to find our Irish roots, and I can’t wait to explore the countryside and try all the delicious beer and whiskey. Too bad I’ll be 3 months late to the real party. I’m sure there will be plenty of other activities to get into. 🙂
Great pictures and research! I wish that St. Patrick’s Day was 1/2 as exciting over here in the US as it’s sure to be in Ireland. That being said, I also wouldn’t mind St. Patrick’s day being a whole lot more safe to drive in either haha.
I had the pleasure of visiting Dublin last summer and I fell in love with Ireland! Thank you for reminding me of all that it has to offer. I also found the background information that you provided to be very interesting and I learned a few things I didn’t know before!
I’m glad that you enjoyed the article!
This is a great article! So interesting to see how St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in it’s original setting. I am half Irish and have had the pleasure of visiting Ireland so the story was very relatable and fun to read.
I have always wanted to visit Ireland and explore/experience their culture. I am part Irish, and because of this I have always celebrated different holidays that originated there, Saint Patrick’s day being one of them. Many of my friends have posted pictures celebrating there at this time, and from what they have told me, this article has a very accurate description of the celebration. One day I will have the pleasure of visiting there, but for now, thank you for sharing this little piece of culture with me, it definitely leaves me wanting more.
This article is so interesting! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I have been to Ireland before but I haven’t been there for St. Pattys yet! I am a big beer fan , and it’s always been on my bucket list to go there and celebrate the holiday with some good beer! Yum!
I had no idea who St. Patrick actually was! Christianity seems so inseparable from Ireland… No wonder they love St. Patrick’s Day. Interesting about the four-leaved clover too