☘️ St Patrick: History, Myth & Celebration in Belfast

Belfast Free Walking tour
Mar 13
2 min read

St. Patrick holding a leprechaun in one hand and a shamrock in the other, with Ireland in the background

Every 17th of March, Ireland and many cities around the world turn green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the patron saint of Ireland.

But who was St Patrick really, and why is he celebrated in Belfast, a city where communities with different traditions live side by side?

📖 Who Was St Patrick

St Patrick was born around 385 AD in Roman Britain (now the United Kingdom) as Maewyn Succat.

At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates 🏴‍☠️ and taken to Ireland as a slave, where he worked as a shepherd for six years.

He eventually escaped and returned to his family.

But here’s the interesting part: he decided to train as a priest and return to Ireland as a Christian missionary.

Among his “achievements” are:

Using the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Christian Trinity
And, according to legend, driving the snakes out of Ireland… although this is more symbolic than factual, as Ireland had been snake-free since the last Ice Age. 🐍❌

🎉 St Patrick’s Day

On 17th March, the day of his death, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated. Over time, it has evolved from a religious observance into a global cultural festival.

🎊 In Ireland, it’s a public holiday with parades, concerts, traditional music, and family activities.

In Belfast, the city comes alive with parades, concerts, traditional music, and events for all ages.

The perfect excuse to stroll the streets, take photos, and why not, enjoy a pint of green beer. 🍺💚

🍀 Symbols You Can’t Miss

Green: the official colour of Ireland and the “Emerald Isle”.
Three-leaf shamrock: St Patrick’s tool to explain the Trinity.
Celtic harp & traditional music: to feel the Irish spirit.
Leprechauns: mischievous little fairies now part of modern culture, especially in the USA

🏰 St Patrick in Belfast: Culture & Fun

Although Belfast has Catholic and Protestant communities, St Patrick’s Day is more of a cultural celebration than a religious one.

It represents Irish identity, regardless of which side of the city you’re from.

Belfast City Hall is decorated with flags and hosts parades, concerts, and activities.

It’s the perfect opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and enjoy the city’s festive spirit.

✨ Fun Facts You Might Not Know

St Patrick wasn’t Irish, but his story inspires resilience and change.
The snake story is more symbolic than literal.
Originally, St Patrick’s Day was a day of fasting and prayer; parades and green beer are modern additions (thanks, USA 😎)