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What is St. Patrick’s Day?

Who exactly is St. Patrick? And why is he so famous? St. Patrick was formerly a Pagan who became one of the most prominent figures in Christian history. The holiday started out as a feasting holiday, where St. Patrick is said to have driven the snakes out of Ireland. In the early 1700’s when Irish Immigrants started coming to America, they began to celebrate this holiday more publicly in Boston and New York. The first official St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in New York in 1766. Since this holiday is a celebration holiday, the drinking came in as a celebratory measure. And the Irish love their beer. The traditional yellow and green come from old Irish folklore including the iconic leprechaun and his gold (yellow). The green comes from the Irish shamrock, which is a national symbol in the country. St. Patrick’s Day is now a festival of food and drinks for people all over the world. It is also an opportunity for the country to showcase itself. Since St. Patrick’s Day falls during lent, it is a nice excuse to eat meat during the time of observance.

St. Patrick’s Day Pictures

Traditions

Corn beef and cabbage is the traditional meal for St. Patrick’s Day. Across the world, Irish families indulge in this meal to remember the old country. It is usually served with carrots and potatoes, another Irish staple food. People, especially young children, dawn their green clothing to represent the holiday and its’ traditions. In more modern days, Irish beer has become traditional with the holiday. Specifically Guinness is drunk in pubs and bars all over the world. Americans love to indulge in the hearty dark beer to show their support for their brothers overseas. The leprechaun and shamrock became symbolic for this holiday because it is the one large scale holiday celebrated around the world. And these two symbols represent Ireland.

Events

Regardless of what day St. Patrick’s Day lands on, the celebration lasts all weekend long. Starting Thursday you can find people throughout the city with painted Irish flags on their faces and sporting their green and orange. The 900+ pubs scattered throughout the city are filled with spirits and people enjoying themselves. This city is a calling ground for college students all over the world. Many students who study abroad take this opportunity to come to Dublin for a long weekend. Others make it part of spring break and a chance to visit Europe for a few days. Students who decide to visit Dublin should book airfare early since this city gets crowded fast! One of the most fun events that attract visitors is the Fun Fair at Merrion Square. Their is a carnival set up with lots of fun for everyone, and it lasts all weekend long. Also in Merrion Square is Denny events on Friday and Saturday. You can buy food and drinks, participate in activities, and see exhibits for a few hours. Sunday afternoon is the St. Patrick’s Festival Parade, which is located in the city center. With floats, characters, and children dressed up in costumes, this is a very memorable parade. Skyfest is a lot of fun for college students. It is a light works display and production. You can stop in at a cultural and language workshop. Choir groups perform in the cathedrals throughout the day. And don’t miss the Krump Kings Hip Hop Workshops. Last but certainly not least what would a trip to Dublin for St. Patrick’s be without a trip to Temple Bar in the Temple Bar district? There are parties and lots of good drinks to go around for St. Patrick’s Day.

Where to Stay

Dublin has a wide variety of places to stay for St. Patrick’s Day. From hostels to lavish hotels, your budget can definitely be accommodated. If you’re a college student, chances are you’re looking to stay on a budget. Abberley Court Hotel, Barnacles Temple Bar House, Paddy’s Palace Dublin, Avalon House, and Oliver St. John Gogarty are good places to check out. All are in the city center, near restaurants and bars. They are also great to be right in the middle of everything for the holiday. Since St. Patrick’s Day is very popular, places book up fast, and the sooner you book the better.