Saint Patrick’s Day has to be one of our favourite days of the year here on the Emerald Isle. Any other year, you’ll find droves of revellers enjoying the craic, joyous street parades, live traditional music and special interest talks across museums and attractions. But how do you celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day amidst a global pandemic when the country remains on lockdown? Well, read on to find out!
This year we’ve put together a list of ways you can honour Saint Patrick from the comfort and safety of your bubble!
1. Bake a traditional Irish wheaten bread
The wheaten bread: a staple in most Irish homes which is perfect at any time of the day. Have it with jam and (real) butter for your breakfast, have it as a perfect accompaniment with your homemade soup, or grab a slice when you just fancy a quick snack. Broighter Gold, producers of award-winning rapeseed oil which is grown, harvested, pressed and bottled locally in the Causeway Coast and Glens, have put together this fantastic recipe for a traditional Irish wheaten loaf. Simple to follow and it tastes delicious!
2. Try your hand at a sumptuous seafood chowder
Want something more filling? No problem! Most homes opt for a traditional Irish stew on Saint Patrick’s Day - a safe choice! But if you fancy more of a challenge this year, we recommend this stunning recipe for Seafood Chowder from Kevin Dundon for Tourism Ireland. Your bubble will thank you!
3. Follow our tips for the perfect Irish coffee
Would it even be Saint Patrick’s Day without a ‘wee drop’ of Irish Whiskey? We think not! Follow our tips for creating this Irish favourite using the most famous whiskey of them all, and one that’s local to the Causeway Coast and Glens – Old Bushmills!
4. Immerse yourself in a virtual Saint Patrick’s event
A special virtual Saint Patrick's Day performance by Kíla will be streamed via Flowerfield Arts Centre and The Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre Facebook pages and Youtube channels on Friday 19th March at 8:00pm. Known for their unique take on traditional Irish music and energetic performances, Kíla have enjoyed an impressive touring history since their formation in the late 80s. This event is completely free so it’s the perfect way to wrap up St Patrick’s week and ease yourself in to the weekend!
5. Clear some space and have yourself a jig
Our friends at Discover Northern Ireland recently put together a fantastic playlist of over 19 hours worth of talented Northern Irish musical artists. From pop rock to post punk, soulful soloists to folk-infused formations, this playlist will appeal to all musical tastes and you might even discover a few new acts to love too!
6. Send a message of hope
To send a message of hope, solidarity and friendship across the globe, Tourism Ireland are encouraging you to take part in the Light a Green Candle initiative for the #StPatricksDayAtHome event. Please light a green candle at 7pm (GMT), take a photo or video and upload to your social media handles using the #GlobalGreening hashtag, and become part of the conversation. Let’s tell the world the island of Ireland is waiting to welcome them when the time is right!
-
How will you choose to honour Saint Patrick this year? Let us know if you have any more great ideas lined up for 17th March on our social media channels!
