Celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Ireland
To the sound of Celtic tunes and the clink of ice cubes, the Irish are dancing. From County Donegal to County Cork, Ireland is alive with energy. In every charming village and across the vibrant cities, night owls dressed in green, with a Guinness in hand and hats on their heads, hop from one Irish pub to the next. St. Patrick’s Day is an essential experience for anyone visiting Ireland.
In Ireland and beyond, it’s St Patrick’s Day, an event rooted in Irish culture and traditions. All over the world, the Irish come together to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. On March 17th, we’re going green!
Where does Saint Patrick’s Day come from in Ireland?
Saint Patrick is considered to be the evangeliser of Ireland. He died on March 17th, 461, so St Patrick’s Day was originally a religious festival paying tribute to the man who taught Christianity to the Irish people. Although it had already been celebrated in the United States since March 17th, 1737, it became a public holiday in Ireland in 1903.
It wasn’t until 1931 that Dublin organised its first St Patrick’s Day parade. At the time, the Irish went to mass on this holy day. Today, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated more in Irish pubs. Contrary to popular belief, St Patrick’s Day is not the Emerald Isle’s national day. It is simply a popular belief throughout the world.
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You don’t have to wait until March 17th to discover the friendliness and benevolence of the Irish people. Always warm-hearted, the Irish readily share their table with travellers, telling them a host of anecdotes. Just push open the door of an Irish pub and you’ll feel right at home! Drink with the locals and soak up Irish culture!
St Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion for this. Irish people gather in the streets and pubs of towns and counties across the country to celebrate this special day. In all simplicity, they assert their Irish identity and embrace the travellers who join in the festivities.
Originally, blue was the color linked to St. Patrick’s Day, but today it is green. This color perfectly represents Ireland, with its lush green landscapes and iconic shamrock. Tradition calls for the Irish to wear green, pin a shamrock, the national symbol, to their buttonhole, and don a Leprechaun hat, inspired by the mythical creature from Irish folklore.
Since 1996, the festivities have lasted five days in Ireland, so if you’re visiting during the festival, get ready! On March 17th, St Patrick’s Day, a huge parade is held in Dublin. With colourful floats, Viking longships and kilts on parade, you’ll be immersed in Irish culture!
On other days, artistic events take place all over the country. With dance shows, concerts and fireworks, there’s never a dull moment during St Patrick’s Day.
Explore the vibrant capital or immerse yourself in the festivities in Cork, Galway, Belfast, or even in charming Irish villages to experience local traditions.
For a more tranquil experience, opt for a small traditional pub, where you’ll find a cosy atmosphere. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in unique ways across different regions, and it would take years to fully experience each distinct vibe. Whether you seek authenticity or lively excitement, there’s a St. Patrick’s Day celebration for you! It’s an unforgettable experience for travelers in Ireland at this time of year, celebrating alongside locals with a pint of dark beer in hand.
A Global Celebration
When the Great Famine hit Ireland in 1845, many Irish people left their homeland in search of a better life, particularly in the United States. Today, many Irish are descendants of emigrants, or expatriates themselves, yet they continue to hold strong ties to their Irish heritage and national pride. St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated not only in the United States but also in Canada, France, and even Australia.
The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day knows no borders, with people around the world embracing their Irish spirit for the day or even longer. Pubs and bars in various countries get into the festive mood, with crowds flocking to enjoy a drink and some lively music on March 17th.
In the United States, the Chicago River is dyed green on St. Patrick’s Day, a moving tribute that resonates deeply with the Irish and with our own St. Patrick. However, make no mistake—nothing compares to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Irish soil!
