St Patrick's Day also known as Paddy's Day
Our Bus tour on St Patricks Day in Downpatrick.
We started out all dressed in green (avoiding any pinches just in case the rumours were true)
Then Jeandre got her face painted and a shamrock balloon at the Down Museum.
We watched some Irish Dancing, a comedy show and singers.
Then our tour began.
First stop was the Cathedral which has just completed a beautifully tiled walls telling the story of St Patrick
We visited a view other church associated with Patrick including the first church he built SAUL church.
Stopped at a lovely pub - Paddy's Barn for tea, coffee and scones.
Continued our tour and enjoyed the daffadils along the way as well.
The History of St Patrick's Day
A few thing I learnt:
* The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers to reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.
*In modern-day Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. In fact, up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick's Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world.
