Given the pandemic of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the cancellation of sporting events, conferences, and schools across the country, we thought it wise to provide some fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the safety and comfort of your own home. Rather than head out on the town for a night of green beer, shamrocks, and revelry — have a night in and celebrate the saint of the Republic of Ireland, St. Patrick.
1. Wear Green
This is the easiest one on the list to do. Show your love for the Irish by wearing green on St. Patty’s Day, but have fun with it! Be creative with how you choose to wear green: a scarf, hat, socks, a bow, or even leggings are all suitable.
2. Drink a Guinness
This dark stout originated in Dublin, Ireland in 1759 and has been whetting the beer appetites of native Irish men and women and wannabe Irish people all across the globe. This tall, dark, handsome beverage pairs perfectly with the variety of Irish foods below. Check out the other beers Guinness has introduced as well: Guinness Blonde and Guinness Nitro IPA.
3. Eat Traditional Irish Food
As many people know, we Irish are real meat and potato kind of people, and our cuisine reflects that (this blog written by a proudly Half-Irish man). Feast on the Irish classic, Corned Beef and Cabbage, which is both filling and perfect for the cold weather (not to mention keto-friendly!). Or delight your tastebuds with one of these other great foods found at every great Irish pub: Shepherd’s Pie, Soda Bread, and even Bangers & Mash.
4. Make a St. Patty’s Day Craft
Get the kids involved to create shamrock-laden hats, engage in coloring projects, and fashion wreaths. Irish arts and crafts are a great way to not only activate the creative parts of your and your children’s brains, but they also give you some homemade decorations to pepper around the house. The sky’s the limit!
5. Watch an Irish Film
There are plenty of great options to choose from for fantastic Irish cinema. For the family: The Quiet Man, Waking Ned Devine, and The Secret of Roan Irish. For the adults: Michael Collins, Boondock Saints, In Bruges, or Brooklyn.
6. Experience Great Irish Music
Let your ears enjoy the Irish songs of yesteryear or present day. Whether you crave some Celtic tunes or the more modern U2, Dropkick Murphy’s, or Flogging Molly — there’s a ton of ways to fill your home with Irish sound.
7. Enjoy Irish Whiskey
The name “whiskey” comes from the Gaelic “water for life,” which makes perfect sense for this essential libation from the Emerald Isle. This smooth, high alcohol spirit is usually triple-distilled can be sipped neat or with some water. Whether you enjoy Tullamore Dew, Bushmills, or the classic Jameson — this drink is a great way to celebrate the day. Try it as part of an Irish coffee to boot!
If you manage to do even just one of the above on March 17th, it will warm my Irish heart (technically only half of it).
Happy St. Patty’s Day!
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
