St. Patrick’s Day: More Than Just Green Beer and Parades. What it means to be Irish.

Every year on March 17th, the world lights up in a sea of green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But for me, it’s much more than an excuse to wear shamrocks and raise a pint—it’s a connection to home, a deep-rooted celebration of Ireland, my childhood, and the culture that has shaped me.

First things first—let’s clear up one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day faux pas in the U.S.: There is no St. Patty. As an Irish person, I can tell you that “Patty” is short for Patricia, not Patrick. If you want to abbreviate it correctly, it’s St. Paddy’s Day, after the Irish name Pádraig. Trust me, calling it St. Patty’s Day is a surefire way to make an Irish person cringe!

Born and raised in Ireland, with my side of the family still living there, St. Patrick’s Day has always been a time to reflect on what it truly means to be Irish. While Scott, I and our boys now live in Dallas, we spend our summers in Ireland, soaking in every bit of its beauty—from the rolling green hills to the Atlantic-kissed cliffs, from bustling Dublin streets to quiet countryside lanes where time moves a little slower.

The Real Story Behind St. Patrick

Many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without knowing much about the man himself. St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish—he was born in Britain in the late 4th century and kidnapped by Irish raiders as a teenager. He spent years in captivity as a shepherd before escaping, only to return later as a missionary, bringing Christianity to Ireland. The legend of him driving the snakes out of Ireland? It’s more symbolic than literal—there were never any snakes in Ireland to begin with!

Beyond the Leprechauns: Interesting Facts About Ireland

Ireland is a land of stories, history, and unexpected surprises. Here are a few thought-provoking facts about the Emerald Isle:

• The Oldest Bar in the World: Ireland is home to Sean’s Bar in Athlone, which has been serving drinks since 900 AD—over 1,100 years of history in a pint glass!

• A Nation of Writers: Ireland has produced some of the world’s most famous authors, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and W.B. Yeats. Dublin is even a designated UNESCO City of Literature.

• The Titanic Connection: The infamous Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, before its fateful voyage in 1912.

• Hollywood’s Irish Roots: Some of the biggest names in entertainment have Irish heritage, including Saoirse Ronan, Cillian Murphy, and even a certain blue-eyed legend, Paul Mescal.

• Ireland and Halloween: The holiday of Halloween actually originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in Ireland over 2,000 years ago.

• The Irish Language: While English is widely spoken in Ireland, Irish (Gaeilge) is still our native language and is taught in schools. Road signs across the country are bilingual, and in some regions known as the Gaeltacht, Irish is the primary language spoken daily.

• An Irishman Designed the White House: The White House in Washington, D.C., was designed by James Hoban, an Irish architect born in Kilkenny. His work has left a lasting imprint on one of the most famous buildings in the world.

  
  

The Way We Celebrate Back Home

While massive parades and river-dyeing traditions take over cities like Chicago and New York, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland has a more genuine, heartfelt vibe. Yes, there are parades—Dublin’s is world-famous—but it’s also about family gatherings, traditional music sessions in pubs, and simply enjoying the day with loved ones.

One of my favorite ways to celebrate is through food, and nothing tastes more like home than fresh, warm Guinness Brown Bread slathered in Irish butter. Scott has the perfect recipe. A few staple ingredients and the all important Guinness are all that you need and one old secret to let the baking fairies out.

Another key part of the celebrations? Irish music and dance. From lively pub sessions filled with fiddles and bodhráns to the mesmerizing rhythm of Irish dancing, music

is at the heart of how we mark the day. Many of us grew up learning Irish dance routines at school, and you’ll often see spontaneous dancing break out in pubs across the country on March 17th.

For those looking for a quieter way to celebrate, many families take to the outdoors. A good walk on the beach or in the countryside, followed by a home-cooked meal, is just as much a tradition as anything else.

Popular food items include Irish stew, a hearty dish made with tender lamb or beef, potatoes, and root vegetables, slow-cooked for ultimate comfort. Boxty, a traditional potato pancake, is another favorite, often served alongside a full Irish breakfast or filled with savory ingredients. Black and white pudding, a staple in Irish breakfasts, is a unique type of sausage made with pork, oatmeal, and spices, giving it a rich and earthy flavor. But Irish cuisine isn’t just about the classics—we’re also known for our fine cheeses, fresh seafood, and of course, world-renowned whiskey. From creamy Cashel Blue cheese to succulent Galway Bay oysters, Ireland’s food scene is deeply connected to the land and sea, making every meal an experience in itself.

What Being Irish Means to Me

Living abroad has only deepened my appreciation for my homeland. Ireland isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. It’s in the way we tell stories, in our love for good craic (that’s Irish for fun and banter), and in our deep-rooted sense of community. Now, as a father, I want to pass that love and pride on to our boys. We make sure they know where they come from, whether it’s speaking a few Irish words around the house, baking traditional recipes together, or telling them stories of my childhood in Ireland.

Keeping these traditions alive matters—not just for nostalgia but to ensure they grow up with a strong sense of identity and heritage. Every summer, when we visit family back home, I see Ireland through their eyes—the excitement of running through green fields, the wonder of hearing my mother tell them tales of Irish folklore, and the joy of sharing a proper Irish breakfast together. These little things remind me that home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling we carry with us and pass on.

So this St. Patrick’s Day, while you’re enjoying a pint of Guinness or humming along to an Irish tune, take a moment to think about the real magic of Ireland—its people, its history, and the incredible culture that continues to captivate the world.

Sláinte! 🍀