Photos of Ireland to Inspire A St. Patrick’s Day Trip

Here in the States, I’ve attended many a St. Patrick’s Day festival or parade, but I’m certain the boozy, green outfitted, leprechaun-themed festivities have little or nothing to do with the primary Patron Saint of Ireland.

So here’s a quick look at events happening on St. Patrick’s Day in the country from Tourism Ireland:

-“The ‘Home of St Patrick’ festival in Northern Ireland is set around Downpatrick and Armagh where St Patrick lived and where he is buried. This 10 day festival will celebrate the achievements of Patrick, the man, with a spectacular themed program across the region.

-The single biggest event on the island is the St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin. It is truly one of the great spectacles of the world — a week-long celebration of music, dance and outdoor shows culminating in the stunning St. Patrick’s Day parade through the historic streets of Dublin on March 17th. The St Patrick’s festival is the highlight of the early vacation season of what is expected to be another record year for visits to Ireland. 1.8 million people from the US traveled to Ireland last year for the vacation experience of a lifetime.”