Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

About the Author: John Hennessey-Niland serves as Charge d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Ireland.

March 17 is the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick (385-461), in the Roman Catholic and Anglican calendars and a legal holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in Britain, Canada, Australia, and the United States. The first recorded celebration of St. Patrick’s Day was actually in Boston in 1737, and the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in New York City was held at the Crown and Thistle Tavern in 1756.

In Ireland, many families attend parades and festivals that celebrate Irish culture. The largest parade is held in Dublin. However, towns and villages throughout the country also have their own parade in which local primary school students usually participate. Week long festivals of Irish visual and performing arts… more »