Who is Saint Patrick?
Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and lived from 385 to 461 AD. Pádraig, his Irish name, was actually born in Great Britain where he lived for the first 16 years of his life. At 16 he was captured by Irish pirates and enslaved for 6 years. During his enslavement, Pádraig worked as a shepherd where he discovered his connection with God, eventually leading to his conversion to Christianity. After 6 years in captivity, Pádraig heard a voice telling him to escape and journey home. On his return to Britain he formed his life’s mission; to convert Pagans and non-believers into Christians. Pádraig returned to Ireland on his appointment as Bishop and found fame as a successful and committed converter of Christians. However, this was not at all popular with the ruling Druids and he was arrested and beaten several times. After 30 years of service, Saint Patrick retired and later died in 461. Saint Patrick wasn’t canonized until the 12th Century and is now synonymous with modern day Ireland, it’s culture and it’s people.
An Irish view of St. Patrick’s Day
We caught up with Caoimhe Cox and Kealan O’Neill, from the Dublin office, to find out about their plans for St. Patrick’s Day.
What is Saint Patrick’s in Ireland like?
CC: It can be crazy! Lots of music, revelry and Guinness can mean larger cities and towns get pretty rowdy. However, if you are in the countryside it is a much more relaxed affair with local schools and sports clubs involved in a weekend of family festivities. KO: Big towns and cities have a parade of marching bands and floats, with the traditional, whacky, and wonderful all on display. Folks less inclined for the revelry may go for a hike, check out the other cultural offerings or choose to watch the plethora of sport played on the day.
What do you have planned?
KO: Watching the Ireland v England in the final game of the 6 Nations rugby along with half the country. Ireland have already won the tournament with a game to spare but beating England on their home turf on St. Patrick’s Day to claim the Grand Slam would be the icing on the cake! . CC: I’m getting married in April so this St. Patrick’s Day I will be celebrating my bachelorette/hen party. Hopefully there will be no leprechaun costumes involved and we will get to watch Ireland beat England on the final day of the 6 Nations!
Have you got any advice for people wanting to travel to Ireland for the celebration?
CC: If you’re in Dublin – eat, drink and be merry, St. Patrick’s day is all about having fun. Take in the parade early then head to the Winding Stair or Delahunt for some great traditional Irish food. After that Dohney and Nesbitts, Toners or O’Donoghues are great places to sample some of the black stuff (Guinness) and spend time with the locals. Finish your evening off with a trad session at the Brazen Head. Oh and – stay as far away from Temple Bar as possible! KO: Be prepared for the throng! The parade route will be jammed so get there early if you want to catch the parade. Getting through the usual hot-spots like Temple Bar will be sluggish so avoid if you don’t fancy getting up close and personal with strangers! Definitely don some green attire!