Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, was probably from Wales, France or Scotland.
He was born about AD 385 in a small village. When he was 16, a group of Irish marauders attacked the village and captured young men to be sold as slaves. Patrick spend 6 years of his slavery in co Antrim, working as a sheepherder. Escaping Ireland and slavery, he spent some time studying at a monastery in Gaul.
After becoming a priest, Patrick desired to go back to Ireland and convert pagans to Christianity., but his superiors chose St Palladius to do this job. Patrick had to wait 2 years and got his chance when St Palladius was transferred to Scotland.
He travelled throughout Ireland, founding monasteries, schools and churches. There are a lot of legend about him, like the one that used the three leaves of a shamrock to explain the Christian holy trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He also banished snakes from Ireland.
After 30 years of missionary work, he retired to Saul in Co Down where he died on March 17th, about the year 461.
That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.
The largest of all worldwide St Patrick’s Day parades is the one in New York. It began in 1962 as a proud display of Irish heritage.
Although there is no parade in Tallaght, South Dublin County Council will host a St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Tallaght Stadium on Saturday 17th March 2012 commencing at 6pm . There will be fun for all the family face painting, balloon modelling, Irish Dancers, Marching Bands, Kick Boxing displays and much more, finishing with a spectacular firework display at 7pm
Our guests can easily get to the city centre with Luas to take part in many interesting events, watch the parade and of course to have a pint :)
