9 Ways to Celebrate St Patricks Day

Although Corned-Beef and Cabbage is more Irish-American than Irish (who traditionally favor salt pork), it's a delicious tradition in many a household. By sourcing your corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots (and might we suggest, parsley sauce 👌) locally, you can cook up a delicious and sustainable St Patrick's Day feast. Curious about the history of Corned Beef and Cabbage vs. Salt Pork? In the 1800s and early 1900s, Irish immigrants in the United States found that corned beef was cheaper than pork — the opposite of how it was back home.

With famous Irish beers like Guiness, Killians, and Murphy's (and the always delicious Bailey's and Jameson) dominating the shelves ahead of St. Patrick's Day, it's easy to drink green this time of year. And while we would never suggest missing out on these delicious traditional brews, it's also worth trying out other Irish-style beers that are brewed closer to home. Try a dark, bitter, and creamy Irish Stout or a sweet and malty Irish Red and you'll be kicking up your heels in no time!

If you want to bring your celebrations to another level, try your hand at crafting a limerick. Funny, punny, and frequently a bit off-color, limericks are verses that are comprised of three long and two short lines. The trick? Lines 1, 2, and 5 have 7-10 syllables and rhyme with each other. Lines 3 and 4 have 5-7 syllables and also rhyme with each other. Although opinions vary, many agree that the term limerick was derived from the Irish town of the same name — and the format was popularized by the poet Edward Lear. 

Dance is tightly woven into Irish culture and history. Irish Step Dance has its roots in traditional Celtic and Druid dances and is characterized by a stiffly held upper body and nimble, quick foot work. Dancing traditionally takes place around religious and other special occasions — one such being "feis" or Celtic community celebrations. Put on your dancing feet and try your hand at a traditional Irish jig. Prefer to stick to the sidelines? Catch a performance by a local Irish Step Dance school (or watch this classic Riverdance performance).

Music is at the heart of Ireland. With songs ranging from delicate, sad ballads about those that have passed to humerus scores that remind us not to take ourselves too seriously, to rousing songs about historic events, traditional Irish music is folk music at its heart. With haunting lyrics and beautiful solos, there's nothing quite like the sound of a harp or  whistle to get you into the St. Patrick's Day spirit. Whether you choose to take in a parade, hit a pub crawl, or attend a concert, it's worth getting to know some of the traditional Irish songs so that you can sing — and clap! — along.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread is a simple, tasty accompaniment to your Corned Beef and Cabbage. Made with just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand, it comes together in about 40 minutes. It should, of course, be generously slathered with a good Irish butter.

While St. Patrick's Day parades range in size and scale, they are a great way to celebrate in style. Local Irish Dance schools, Irish Clubs, and other associations are guaranteed to turn out in full force, along with traditional foods and beverages served up by vendors and establishments along the route. 

While the tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day didn’t originate in the Emerald Isle, the color is deeply rooted in Irish history. In the U.S., this tradition can be traced back to the 19th century, when waves of Irish immigrants came in search of a better life. Continue the tradition by donning something green, whether it’s an item from your closet, a traditional Irish knit sweater, or a green One Tree Planted crewneck sweater. 

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day by making the world just a little bit greener. Similar to the deeper meaning of green in Ireland's culture and history, there's more than meets the eye to the green of growing trees. Photosynthesis, which involves the green pigment chlorophyll, is the process by which plants use sunlight convert carbon dioxide and water into food. And through this process, trees absorb atmospheric carbon and release oxygen into the atmosphere.