As St. Patrick’s Day draws near, people are rummaging through their closets in search of greens and shamrocks and seeking out the perfect spot to celebrate the “Wearing of the Green.” Amidst the celebrations and merrymaking, lies truths and legends surrounding St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, Irish folklore, and traditions.
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He is credited with the task of spreading Christianity across the Emerald Isle, however, the tale of him banishing snakes from the island is more likely symbolic given that Ireland never hosted a native snake population.
The shamrock symbolizes the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Leprechauns and pots of gold are a reminder of Ireland’s mythical charm.
The custom of wearing green provides one invisibility to the pinches and pranks of the leprechauns.
A few traditional Irish foods to try on St. Patrick’s Day:
- Irish Soda Bread
- Irish Stew
- Corned Beef and Cabbage
Irish Beers such as Guinness, Smithwick, Harp, and Irish Whiskey such as Jameson, Paddy’s and Teeling are great paired with an Irish meal or by themselves.
An Irish coffee is a grand way to end the evening.
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Combine Irish Cream such as Baileys, with coffee and top with whipped cream in an “Irish Coffee” glass.
The Irish Flag is green, white and orange. Green (for the Roman Catholics), Orange (for the Protestants), and white in the middle (for peace between them).
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, communities worldwide prepare to honor the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Ireland.
Everyone is a wee bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day so raise a pint to the patron saint of Ireland and enjoy all the traditional Irish myths and traditions including special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.
Below are a few places to celebrate a grand day for the Irish. 
Downtown Clermont/ Suncreek Brewery – Irish Fest 24. now in partnership with Downtown Clermont and renamed the “Irish Art and Music Festival”. It’s been expanded to the whole downtown!
Wolfhound Irish Pub – 16909 High Grove Blvd., Clermont, is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day from 11 am to 2 am.
Karaoke Jam, Live Tunes, Green Vibes, Special bites, Backyard Games and
Furry Photo Op: Snap a picture with the pub’s friendly Irish Wolfhound. He’s not just a pub owner, he’s also the coolest canine in town!
Hagan O’Reilly’s Irish Pub – 16112 Marsh Road., Winter Garden. Irish fanfare, live music, Irish drinks and more. Shenanigans Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17.
Fiddlers Green – 544 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park. Opens at 9 am, featuring live entertainment throughout the day with Celtic Pulse step dancers, Beemo, Scottish bagpiper Jamie Kelly, and more! This is one of the best, most authentic places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. However, if you live in South Lake and plan to drink, stay in your hometown and plan to get someone to be the designated driver. UBER works.
Raglan Road, located at Disney Springs is an “authentic” Irish festival in America beginning on Thursday, March 14 and running through Sunday, March 17, featuring non-stop entertainment, complimentary face painting and a selection of beers, whiskeys, flights and craft cocktails to pair with Irish food. Award-winning imported Irish bands and the Raglan Road Irish dancers will be present. Bands: Strings and Things, Teada, Men of Aran, Northern Crossing, The Connemara Ramblers, Echoes of Burren, The Raglan Road Irish Dancers
Raglan Road is a fun place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but can be a wee bit too crowded and far from home. Reservations are suggested.
