Saint Patrick

Below is a useful graphic (click link to see larger version) I ran across for those of us less informed about Ireland's Patron Saint, Patrick. Did you know...his real name was Maewyn ? He wasn't Irish at all !! Brush up on a little Saint Patrick history then head over to Tourism Ireland to test your knowledge with a QUIZ.

SOURCE

The Black Stuff

Occasionally you'll get a shamrock poured into the head of your Guinness (faintly seen about). I'm not entirely sure if this reserved for tourists or not. Makes a pretty picture though. 

Guinness is undoubtedly one of the most famous things to come out of Ireland. It is ubiquitous with Ireland, and also with Saint Patrick's Day, as many folks nowadays forgo the Saint's Feast Day to partake in heavy drinking. Despite its part in some misguided celebrations, Guinness is an Irish celebrity. It was created in 1759 by Arthur Guinness and has really been a steadfast part of Irish culture ever since.

Black and beautiful (and very photogenic), adorned by a creamy froth, this drink is lovingly referred to as the Black Stuff. As with any drink, especially alcoholic libations, it is not for everyone. On my first trip to Ireland, I could not finish a pint Guinness, but over the years it has won me over. It is now one of my most favorite beers, deceivingly light in calories yet complex in taste. If anything it has become nostalgic for me, whisking me away with each sip to the cobbled lanes and warm pubs of Ireland. And it's almost all I order when in Ireland (and it does taste even better there, truly). Most certainly, it will be part of my Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, accompanying a beef stew or seafood chowder and some brown bread. 

At the Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse

Just one of Guinness's fun adverts, Temple Bar, Dublin.

Letting a pint settle at Sean's Bar, the oldest Pub in Ireland (Arguably Europe - 900 AD). Iris

Irish Adornments

March has finally arrived! Get out your Saint Patrick's Day decor if you haven't already. Sure, there is all manner of green on green things for sale at party stores this time of year and those are a great place to start, but over the years I've added my own little touches to my March Irish decor. Below are some of my favorites:

The simplest decor involves picking some of those lovely spring flowers blooming outside. I like to use large Guinness bottles for vases or clear glass vases with a few drops of green food coloring added. I also use the boxes from a six pack of Guinness bottles or other Irish brew to hold napkins and silverware for a party.

Here I photocopied some pages from my atlas but one could easily print some Irish map off the web and add a little watercolor for any easy collage. 

If you are lucky, you might find some shamrock plants for sale this time of year. I always try to snatch them up if I find them. Pull out all your shades of green and assemble together for a nice arrangement. 

This time of year I also like to pull out all of my Irish books - many are green so they make a good additions to decor but I like friends and family to be able to thumb through them, too. 

Some green candles and artificial, or real, ivy are nice additions to any arrangement in your home. Add a little bit of that emerald green store bought decor and you'll have a really festive spread. 

Flash Sales

From now until Saint Patrick's Day, I'll be running flash sales in the Emerald Post Shop. The only way to get a heads up is to sign up for The Emerald Post Herald E-Newsletter HERE. Flash Sales will pop up and disappear quickly each with different discounts on different items, all to celebrate the spirit of Ireland and Saint Patrick's Day. So sign up now for Emerald Post Herald!

Some Wise Words

We interrupt your Saint Patrick's Day party planning to bring you an important public service announcement:

www.paddynotpatty.com

Now's a good time (before you print those invitations, make those signs or banners) to clarify this confusion that folks outside of Ireland often make. Patrick comes from the Irish Pádraig, when shortened it becomes Paddy. Patty is short for Patricia or used in reference to a hamburger, not something you'd call the Patron Saint of Ireland, or any guy for that matter. When spoken, of course, Paddy and Patty sound the same but when written, it's important to use the right one. So if you must shorten the day, its St. Paddy's Day. Not Patty.

Countdown to Saint Patrick's Day

Statue of Saint Patrick outside Carriganass Castle, Kealkil, Cork

Well folks, St. Patrick's Day is creeping up along with the spring bulbs and thunderstorms - less than a month away! I am quite ready to bid farewell to Old Man Winter and welcome the return of Green. Saint Patrick's Day, March 17th, falls on a Saturday this year, which makes it even easier to host a celebration. Leading up to the great Irish celebration, I'll share the ways in which I celebrate & decorate for St. Patrick's Days. I'll share some of my Irish journeys and the culture and traditions surrounding the holiday. I'll also be hosting some flash sales in the Emerald Post Shop. Join the Newsletter HERE to get a heads up for flash sales and more. Follow along here, I'll even be hosting a giveaway before the big day!