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The world is green on March 17: Because on this day the world celebrates St. Patrick, the national saint of the Emerald Isle.
Why is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated?
Saint Patrick is said to have been born a Roman Christian in mainland England in the 5th century and then taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he became a monk in Gaul and eventually returned to Ireland as a bishop, where he built churches and monasteries and converted the Irish to Christianity. On the anniversary of his death on March 17, 491, Irish people around the world celebrate their national saint.
Blick.ch celebrates and offers 12 insider tips for your next trip to the island.
1. Armagh – Home of St. Patrick’s Festival
St Patrick is said to have started his missionary work in Armagh, Northern Ireland. For 9 days (from March 11 to March 19), the biggest party in honor of the saint is held here. Choirs and bands performing Irish-Celtic music are particularly impressive.
Fly: Patrick is said to be buried in the town of Downpatrick. A museum traces his life story.
2. Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way, signposted five years ago, is considered the longest coastal road in the world and also one of the most beautiful! The journey leads 2500 kilometers along the west coast from Kinsale in the south to Malin Head in the north. All of Ireland’s beauty is on the way: the scenic Ring of Kerry trail, the mystical monastic island of Skelling Michael, the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Connemara prairies and world-class Donegal surf spots.
3. Skellig Michael – Luke Skywalker sends his regards
In the latest Star Wars movie, aging Luke Skywalker lives a secluded life on an island. The film was shot on the island of Skellig Michael, twelve kilometers off the coast. Skywalker’s stone cottages are actually the remains of Ireland’s first 6th-century Christian monastery. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most fascinating experiences on the Emerald Isle.
4. Traditional music
Traditional music is part of a visit to a pub in Ireland. The small group usually consists of a violin, accordion, tin whistle, wooden flute and the typical bodhrán drum. A session where guests bring their instruments and play together is especially beautiful. Where? Ask all over the country, only in towns.
Fly: One particularly rustic bar is the “Roadside Tavern” (with homemade beer!) in the village of Lisdoonvarna.
5. Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
Forget Tinder, C-Date and Co! Love of life can be found in the small town of Lisdoonvarna. “Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival” is Europe’s largest singles party. Single people and love addicts from all over the world flock there every September to find love. The lubricant of the heart is, of course, music and dance. That’s why a visit is also worthwhile for the “forgotten” people: Here you can experience a real Irish party atmosphere.
6. Burren
The karst area “The Burren” in the west of the country inspires with its barrenness reminiscent of a lunar landscape. The region is a biological phenomenon: Arctic and Mediterranean plants thrive here. The appearance is characterized by flat, gray-white limestone slabs crossed by deep grooves. There were early settlements in the area, as evidenced by the impressive Stone Age dolmens. Ideal for hiking! By the way, JRR Tolkien is said to have taken inspiration for “Lord of the Rings” from here.
7. Burren Tobacco House
Learn how salmon is smoked at the Burren Smokehouse visitor center in Lisdoornvarna. Using only wild salmon, the small smokehouse offers a variety of creative variations. For example, smoked salmon wrapped in seaweed has been named one of the UK’s 50 best products. Even the Queen swears by the delights of Irish cuisine. During your visit to the Visitor Center, you can taste the delicacies and refrigerate the salmon with cling film for the return home.
8. West Clare Railroad
Railroad fans will love the West Clare Railroad Visitor Experience in Moyasta. In addition to a restored train station with a small museum, taking the old narrow-gauge steam train is a special highlight.
9. Céide – Visiting the Stone Age
Beneath the northern Mayo steppe are the Céide Fields, the largest Stone Age site in the world. The 5000-year-old fields are still surrounded by their original walls. This unique plant was protected by a thick layer of peat. The excellent visitor center is also a feast for the eyes of those who love modern architecture.
10. Linnane’s Lobster Bar
The 300-year-old bar on New Quay Pier is the perfect place to dine on freshly caught seafood. The restaurant may seem modest, but the crab, salmon or lobster dishes are a real treat for the palate.
11. Horseback riding on the beach
You can ride horses on the beach at various places. In Glenbeigh on the Ring of Kerry is the 7km long Rossbeigh Beach – a dream for horse and rider! Also great are horseback riding activities at the Grange in County Sligo, where you can go island hopping at low tide.
12. Dublin – Buy lemon soap from Sweny
James Joyce (1882 – 1941) is Ireland’s most famous writer, but few have read his main work, Ulysses. The 1000-page Joyce chronicles the life of its protagonist, Leopold Bloom, in Dublin, Ireland, on June 16, 1904. Bloom visits Sweny’s pharmacy during the day and buys lemon soap there. Operating uninterruptedly from 1847 to 2009, the pharmacy retains its original Victorian decor: dark red wood shelves with knobbed drawers surround the shop, which is slightly larger than a living room. Nowadays, you can not only buy the famous lemon soap from the canner, but also participate in the reading of Loyce’s works.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
