Everything Irish: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the Proper Way

Every year on March 17th, people across the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a day dedicated to Irish culture, heritage, and of course, good food.

Originally a Christian feast day honouring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, the holiday has grown into a global celebration of Irish identity. Cities turn green, music fills the pubs, and kitchens everywhere start cooking up hearty Irish favourites.

Whether you have Irish roots or simply love Irish cooking, St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to gather around the table and enjoy some proper comfort food.

A Quick History of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick lived in the 5th century and is credited with helping spread Christianity throughout Ireland.

March 17th is traditionally believed to be the date of his death, around AD 461, and over time the day became a feast day celebrating his life and legacy.

According to Irish tradition, St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, which is why the small green plant became one of Ireland’s most recognisable symbols.

Today St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world, particularly in the United States where Irish immigrants helped turn the holiday into the lively celebration we know today. Parades, music, and gatherings with good food have become part of the tradition.

Traditional Irish Food for St. Patrick’s Day

Irish cooking is famous for being hearty, simple, and deeply satisfying, which makes it perfect for celebrating.

Classic Irish dishes often centre around potatoes, meats, and comforting stews that warm the table as much as the stomach.

Some traditional favourites include:

• Irish stew

• Colcannon

• Soda bread

• Black pudding

• White pudding

Across Ireland and Britain you’ll also find comforting classics like Shepherd’s Pie, which has become a staple across the British Isles.

Colcannon: A True Irish Favourite

One dish that appears on many Irish tables around St. Patrick’s Day is colcannon.

Colcannon is a traditional Irish mashed potato dish made with butter, milk, and cabbage or kale. It’s incredibly simple, but when done properly it is rich, comforting, and perfect alongside sausages, bacon, or roasted meats.

Simple Colcannon Recipe

Ingredients

• 900g potatoes, peeled

• 75g butter

• 100ml milk or cream

• 2 cups finely shredded cabbage or kale

• 3 spring onions, chopped

• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Boil the potatoes until tender.

2. Cook the cabbage or kale gently in a little butter until softened.

3. Mash the potatoes with butter and warm milk.

4. Fold in the cabbage and spring onions.

5. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Serve with an extra knob of butter melting into the centre.

How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

You do not need a parade outside your door to celebrate properly. Sometimes the best celebrations are the simplest ones.

Some easy ways to celebrate include:

• Cooking an Irish-inspired meal

• Hosting a relaxed dinner with friends or family

• Playing traditional Irish music

• Wearing something green

• Gathering around a table filled with hearty food

Food has always been at the centre of Irish celebrations.

Irish Favourites to Put on Your Table

If you want to build a proper St. Patrick’s Day spread, these are some of the favourites people reach for.

• Dubliner Pie

• Irish Bangers

• Steak & Stout Sausages

• Black Pudding

• White Pudding

• Lamb & Mint Pies

• Shepherd’s Pie

Rich, comforting dishes like these capture the spirit of Irish cooking perfectly.

A Day Worth Celebrating

St. Patrick’s Day is about more than parades or green decorations. It is about heritage, music, laughter, and gathering around the table.

Whether you are making colcannon, cooking up sausages and pudding, or sharing a hearty pie, the best celebrations always include good food and good company.

So Tell Us…

What are you doing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year?

Are you cooking something traditional, hosting friends, or simply enjoying a proper comforting meal?

However you celebrate, we hope there’s something delicious on the table.