St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage that takes place on March 17th every year. The day is named after Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and is observed as a public holiday in Ireland and a number of other countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
For many people, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate the rich history and traditions of the Irish people, as well as their contributions to the world. Whether it’s through music, dance, food, or drink, there are many ways to mark the occasion and pay homage to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
Here are 30 of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day:
Attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade:
Many cities around the world host St. Patrick’s Day parades, complete with marching bands, dancers, and floats.
It’s traditional to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day to show your support for Ireland and its heritage.
Cook a traditional Irish meal:
Dishes such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and soda bread are popular choices for St. Patrick’s Day feasts.
Many Irish pubs host special events and parties on St. Patrick’s Day, complete with live music and traditional Irish food and drink.
From folk to Celtic rock, there are many styles of music that are associated with Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day.
Watch an Irish dance performance:
From traditional jigs to modern Irish step dancing, there are many styles of Irish dance to enjoy.
Take a trip to Ireland:
For a truly authentic St. Patrick’s Day experience, consider visiting Ireland and participating in the festivities there.
Learn about Irish history and culture:
From the ancient Celts to the Irish Rebellion of 1916, there are many important events and figures in Irish history that are worth learning about.
Decorate with green and gold:
Use green and gold decorations, such as balloons, streamers, and banners, to create a festive atmosphere in your home or party venue.
Read Irish literature:
From the works of James Joyce and W.B. Yeats to modern Irish writers like Roddy Doyle and Colum McCann, there is a rich tradition of Irish literature to explore.
Drink Irish whiskey:
Whether it’s a classic Irish coffee or a simple shot of Jameson, there are many ways to enjoy the smooth, rich flavor of Irish whiskey on St. Patrick’s Day.
Take a scenic drive through the Irish countryside:
From the rolling hills of the Wicklow Mountains to the rugged coastline of County Clare, there are many beautiful places to visit in Ireland.
Visit an Irish castle:
From medieval fortresses to elegant stately homes, there are many historic castles to explore in Ireland.
Attend a Celtic festival:
Many cities around the world host Celtic festivals, complete with live music, dance, food, and drink, to mark St. Patrick’s Day.
Learn an Irish dance:
Whether it’s a jig, a reel, or a hornpipe, there are many traditional Irish dances to learn and enjoy.
Try a new Irish craft beer:
With a growing number of Irish craft breweries producing innovative and flavorful beers, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of Irish beer.
Visit an Irish museum:
From the National Museum of Ireland to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, there are many institutions dedicated to showcasing the rich history and culture of Ireland.
Visit an Irish cathedral:
From St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin to the stunning St. Finbarre’s Cathedral in Cork, there are many beautiful cathedrals to explore in Ireland.
Watch a traditional Irish play:
From the works of Samuel Beckett to contemporary Irish playwrights, there is a rich tradition of Irish theater to enjoy.
Visit an Irish market:
From the bustling streets of Dublin’s Temple Bar to the quaint stalls of Galway’s famous farmers market, there are many opportunities to sample local Irish food and crafts.
Take a hike in the Irish countryside:
From the rolling hills of County Wicklow to the rugged coastline of County Clare, there are many scenic trails to explore in Ireland.
Visit an Irish garden:
From the manicured lawns of Powerscourt Estate to the wild beauty of the Burren, there are many beautiful gardens to visit in Ireland.
Attend an Irish sports event:
Whether it’s a game of Gaelic football or hurling, there are many exciting Irish sports to watch and participate in.
Try an Irish tea:
From classic Irish breakfast tea to the sweet and creamy flavors of Irish cream tea, there are many delicious teas to try.
Visit an Irish art museum:
From the National Gallery of Ireland to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, there are many institutions dedicated to showcasing the best of Irish art and culture.
Take a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way: Stretching from Donegal to Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is a stunning coastal drive that takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland.
Visit an Irish monument:
From the towering cliffs of Moher to the historic site of Newgrange, there are many iconic monuments to visit in Ireland.
Try an Irish cider:
With a growing number of Irish cider makers producing crisp, refreshing ciders, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of Irish cider.
Attend an Irish music festival:
From the famous Dublin TradFest to the lively Cork Folk Festival, there are many music festivals in Ireland to enjoy.
Visit an Irish brewery:
From the historic Guiness Brewery in Dublin to the innovative Micro-breweries in Cork, there are many opportunities to sample the best of Irish beer and learn about the brewing process.
No matter how you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, there are many ways to pay homage to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and enjoy all that this special day has to offer. So raise a glass of Irish whiskey, don your green, and join in the festivities!
