
St. Patrick's Day is all about commemorating St. Patrick and celebrating Irish culture. But what's more exciting than these are the sales that come along with it. If you're feeling lucky, then turn that feeling into savings when you browse through these shops offering festive and timely sales. Here's a guide on how you can make the most out of the St. Patrick's Day sale!
St. Patrick's Day celebrated every 17th of March, commemorates St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, Patrick was kidnapped at age 16 and taken to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity before escaping back to Britain. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary, converting many Irish people to Christianity. Because of this, Ireland came to celebrate his feast day with religious services. Later on, the Americans turned this into a more secular holiday, remembering St. Patrick and celebrating the Irish culture.
St. Patrick's Day is not a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Scotland. However, it is considered a bank holiday in Northern Ireland, where people usually get a day off and businesses are closed. The closest bank holiday to St. Patrick's Day in the UK is generally St. Patrick's Bank Holiday, which falls on the last Monday in March. This extra day off work allows people to join in the celebrations, whether of Irish descent or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere.
St. Patrick's Day is usually filled with events and parades nationwide. From London to Edinburgh, Birmingham to Belfast, cities across the UK celebrate St. Patrick's Day with gusto. Some notable events include:
The London St. Patrick's Festival: This festival features live music performances and street parties.
The Manchester Irish Festival: This event is known for showcasing Irish culture through food, drink, and entertainment that local and foreign visitors will definitely enjoy.
The Glasgow St. Patrick's Day Parade: Considered one of Scotland's largest and most popular events, the Glasglow St. Patrick's Day Parade is a fun event for families, friends, and tourists to experience.
Internationally, New York City hosts the world's oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day parade, attracting millions of spectators each year. Chicago also makes headlines by dyeing its river green for the occasion. If you're planning to travel for St. Patrick's Day, take advantage of these travel voucher discounts to save money!
Get into the spirit of things and consider picking up these popular items to make your celebration a lot more fun:
Green clothing and accessories (t-shirts, scarves, hats)
Shamrocks or artificial four-leaf clovers
Irish-themed home decor (flags, banners, etc.)
Traditional Irish foods like Guinness stout, Irish soda bread, or colcannon
Lucky coins or charms
Irish music CDs or streaming playlists
For those looking to cook up some Irish fare, popular dishes include corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, boxty (Irish potato pancake), and full English breakfasts.
Whether you're planning a small gathering or a larger bash, here are some tips for hosting an unforgettable St. Patrick's Day party:
Decorate with plenty of green balloons, streamers, and shamrocks
Play Irish folk music and modern pop hits
Serve traditional Irish cuisine and drinks. Enjoy a cold and smooth Guinness drink at home, whether in a can or bottle, when you shop at DrinkSupermarket.
Organise Irish trivia games or quizzes
Have a costume competition for guests. Shop at HalloweenCostumes for fun St. Patrick's Day-inspired costumes for you and even your furry friends.
Set up a photo booth with Irish props
Create a DIY craft station for making Celtic knot designs or paper flowers
Remember to encourage responsible drinking and provide non-alcoholic options for those who prefer not to indulge.
St. Patrick's Day has evolved from a religious feast day to a global celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Whether you're of Irish descent or simply looking for an excuse to don some green and have fun, St. Patrick's Day offers something for everyone. So put on your best emerald attire, grab a pint of Guinness, and join in the festivities across the UK and beyond!