St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, St. Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to Ireland as a slave.

After escaping, he returned to Ireland as a missionary, spreading Christianity throughout the country. Over time, his efforts became legendary, and March 17th—the date of his death—was designated as a day of celebration.

Originally a religious feast, St. Patrick’s Day evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture. The holiday is now marked by parades, music, and the wearing of green.

This tradition of wearing green is believed to be in honor of St. Patrick, who used the shamrock, a three-leafed plant, to explain the Holy Trinity. The color green also symbolizes Ireland's lush landscape, hence the association with the holiday.

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Fun Facts About St. Patrick’s Day

• The first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred in New York City in 1762, not Ireland!
• Chicago dyes its river green every year in honor of the holiday.
• The original color associated with St. Patrick’s was blue, but green became popular due to Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle.” The lush green landscape of Ireland, often referred to as the Emerald Isle, and the iconic shamrock, which St. Patrick is said to have used to explain the Holy Trinity, are the reasons why green has become the color of St. Patrick's Day.
• Corned beef and cabbage is a popular dish in the U.S. on St. Patrick’s Day, though in Ireland, bacon and cabbage is more traditional.

Movies to Watch on St. Patrick’s Day

Get into the holiday spirit by watching movies celebrating Irish culture and folklore. Here are some great picks:

1. The Quiet Man (1952) – A classic romantic drama set in Ireland, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara.
2. Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959) – A fun Disney film featuring leprechauns and Irish folklore.
3. Brooklyn (2015) – A moving story about an Irish immigrant adapting to life in America.
4. Leap Year (2010) – A romantic comedy set against the stunning Irish countryside.
5. The Secret of Kells (2009) – A beautifully animated film based on Irish mythology and the famous Book of Kells.

Books to Read About Ireland or St. Patrick’s Day

Expand your knowledge and appreciation of Irish history, folklore, and culture with these great books:
1. How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill – A fascinating look at how Irish monks preserved important classical texts during the Dark Ages.
2. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt – A Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir about growing up in Ireland.
3. Trinity by Leon Uris – A historical novel exploring Ireland’s struggle for independence.
4.  Ireland by Frank Delaney – A captivating story blending Irish history with rich storytelling.
5. St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography by Philip Freeman – A well-researched account of St. Patrick’s life and legacy.

Songs About Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day

Music is an essential part of any St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Here are some classic Irish songs to set the mood. While there are many songs, these are 10 of my favorites.

1. “Danny Boy” – One of Ireland’s most famous ballads, evoking deep emotion and nostalgia.

2. “Whiskey in the Jar” – A traditional Irish folk song popularized by bands like Thin Lizzy and The Dubliners. Metallica also does a bang-up version!

3. “The Wild Rover” – A lively pub song often enthusiastically sung.

4. “Molly Malone” is a classic Dublin song about a fishmonger called “Cockles and Mussels.”

5. “Galway Girl” #1 – A modern hit celebrating Irish charm, performed by Steve Earle

6. “Galway Girl” #2 - by Ed Sheeran. No, the songs are not the same.

7. “The Fields of Athenry” – A poignant song about Ireland’s history during the Great Famine, a period of mass starvation and disease in Ireland from 1845 to 1852. The song tells the story of a man named Michael who was sentenced to transportation to Australia for stealing food for his starving family.

8. “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” – A high-energy tune by Dropkick Murphys, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

9. “Paint the Town Green” - takes you back to traditional Irish Music with a modern flair. The song by The Script talks about being away from home and making himself feel happy by “painting the town green,” no matter where he is in the world.

10. “Song for Ireland” - I would be remiss if I did not include this song… and, of course, the Mary Black version because my sainted Gran would haunt me otherwise.

Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Foods

Food is an essential part of any celebration, and St. Patrick’s Day offers a variety of delicious dishes to try. From the hearty Shepherd's Pie to the flavorful Guinness Stew, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

1. Corned Beef and Cabbage – A popular dish in the U.S., made with slow-cooked beef and tender cabbage. And carrots, my Gran says carrots, are mandatory in the pot.
2. Irish Soda Bread – A simple yet delicious bread made with baking soda instead of yeast.
3. Shepherd’s Pie – A hearty dish of ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.  The linked recipe is pretty close to my family's recipe. My gran often used bisto brown, peas, carrots, and a "Spot of Guinness." In her opinion, corn was evil.
4. Colcannon – A traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, and as my Gran made it, topped with melted butter and chopped up crispy streaky bacon.
5. Guinness Stew – A rich and flavorful beef stew slow-cooked with Guinness beer.

Do you have any plans to celebrate?

Whether you’re celebrating with a parade, a feast, or a movie night, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to embrace Irish culture and have a blast. It's a day filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of Irish magic.

Get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit by trying a new Irish recipe, watching an Irish-themed movie, or attending a local parade. Share your celebrations on social media and become part of the global community celebrating this festive holiday. However you choose to celebrate, may your day be filled with luck, laughter, and a touch of Irish magic!

Sláinte!