We all know that Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is purported to be the banisher of all snakes across the country and that’s why there are no serpents there today. However, it seems there never have been snakes in post glacial Ireland. Saint Patrick declared he had chased them all into the sea when they attacked him, whilst he was having a 40 day fast on top of a hill. But, maybe he was speaking of the Druids that he was duty bound to rid from Ireland, in order to make the Irish good Christians? We all know that the Druids were covered in snake tattoos don’t we?
The shamrock is the symbol of Ireland and Saint Patrick used the three leafed clover to demonstrate the holy trinity – three people, but one God. It must all have worked according to plan, because Patrick made it to become the Patron Saint of Ireland and there are no snakes or druids, but there is an abundance of shamrocks.
His life
Saint Paddy, as he is affectionately known, led quite an eventful life. It seems he was kidnapped at 16 and used as a slave in Ireland for 6 years, before escaping back to his birthplace in Britain. After a while, having seen the light, he converted to Christianity and took off back to Ireland to show them the light too.
Having risen through the ranks, it seems he must have upset some people along the way, as he was accused of taking shed loads of money from wealthy women converts; who in turn became nuns and started building and running convents all over the place. Apparently, he swore he never did it, but spent 60 days in chains, until once more regaining freedom after swearing he never would do it. It does seem, however, that an extraordinary amount of noble ladies started nunneries during his time.
His death
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on 17th March, the day of his death. There are several accounts of Saint Patrick's death. One says that Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, on March 17, 460 A.D. By the 7th century he was already revered as the Patron Saint of Ireland. Whilst in Ireland today, his special day is seen as a holy day of obligation, nevertheless, both inside and outside of Ireland he is celebrated with joy, pride and parades.
His legacy
As they say in the Emerald Isle, “to be sure”, wherever you are in the world on the 17th March you’ll find parties and celebrations going on. Take the Big Ticker Parade in New York for instance, anybody who has the slightest claim to an Irish ancestor will be in that parade and will be wearing “The Green”. Thousands will line the streets to watch the kilted bagpipe players (yes, the Irish have them too), the costumes and the whole glorious shebang.
You may like to watch this delightful video, which is one of a series of 1960s recordings of young children telling Bible stories in a classroom to their schoolteacher.
Irish Bars and St Patrick’s Day Events in the Algarve
And, to be sure, here in the Algarve you’ll find a big party going on in every Irish pub, club, bar or restaurant on this special date. Shamrocks, leprechauns and Guinness will feature heavily and everybody will be wearing something green to commemorate the beautiful Emerald Isle and its Patron Saint.
Here’s our selection
Bars / restaurants
The Black Stove Bar in Alvor and Carvoeiro
Two popular Irish bars with regular live music, food and sports
The St Patrick’s Society of the Algarve has organised a St Patrick’s Day dinner and dance at the Tivoli Hotel in Carvoeiro at 6.30pm. There will be Irish songs and a demonstration of Irish dancing by the Irish Dance Troupe as well as a "hop-up" where the dancers will teach a few steps to those wanting to have a go.
Tickets, at €30 for members and €32.50 for non-members, include a three-course buffet and drinks.
For information and tickets call 939 564 614 or email [email protected]
17th March – St Patrick’s Day at Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago has prepared a series of events to celebrate the Saint Patrick’s Day, on the 17th March. Visit Koko Lane and have a true Irish experience with an Irish breakfast or lunch, plus there’s live music and an Irish dinner on the menu from 7pm.
Visit some of the Algarve’s great Irish bars and restaurants, or make sure you get your tickets for one of the region’s super Paddy’s Day events and enjoy a rip roaring evening of Irish food and entertainment.
Cheers Paddy!
Click here to find out what else is going on in the Algarve this month
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the Algarve
by Sun’s Dragon
The legend
The shamrock is the symbol of Ireland and Saint Patrick used the three leafed clover to demonstrate the holy trinity – three people, but one God. It must all have worked according to plan, because Patrick made it to become the Patron Saint of Ireland and there are no snakes or druids, but there is an abundance of shamrocks.
His life
Saint Paddy, as he is affectionately known, led quite an eventful life. It seems he was kidnapped at 16 and used as a slave in Ireland for 6 years, before escaping back to his birthplace in Britain. After a while, having seen the light, he converted to Christianity and took off back to Ireland to show them the light too.
Having risen through the ranks, it seems he must have upset some people along the way, as he was accused of taking shed loads of money from wealthy women converts; who in turn became nuns and started building and running convents all over the place. Apparently, he swore he never did it, but spent 60 days in chains, until once more regaining freedom after swearing he never would do it. It does seem, however, that an extraordinary amount of noble ladies started nunneries during his time.
His death
His legacy
As they say in the Emerald Isle, “to be sure”, wherever you are in the world on the 17th March you’ll find parties and celebrations going on. Take the Big Ticker Parade in New York for instance, anybody who has the slightest claim to an Irish ancestor will be in that parade and will be wearing “The Green”. Thousands will line the streets to watch the kilted bagpipe players (yes, the Irish have them too), the costumes and the whole glorious shebang.
You may like to watch this delightful video, which is one of a series of 1960s recordings of young children telling Bible stories in a classroom to their schoolteacher.
Irish Bars and St Patrick’s Day Events in the Algarve
And, to be sure, here in the Algarve you’ll find a big party going on in every Irish pub, club, bar or restaurant on this special date. Shamrocks, leprechauns and Guinness will feature heavily and everybody will be wearing something green to commemorate the beautiful Emerald Isle and its Patron Saint.
Here’s our selection
Bars / restaurants
The Black Stove Bar in Alvor and Carvoeiro
Two popular Irish bars with regular live music, food and sports
Visit website
DeBarra Irish Bar and Grill in Quinta do Lago
Visit website
Shamrock Irish Bar in Albufeira
Lively Irish bar in Albufeira Old Town.
Visit website
O’Neills Bar on Vilamoura Marina
Visit website
O’Grady’s 12 Bar in Silves
Visit website
Events
15th March - Tivoli Hotel in Carvoeiro
The St Patrick’s Society of the Algarve has organised a St Patrick’s Day dinner and dance at the Tivoli Hotel in Carvoeiro at 6.30pm. There will be Irish songs and a demonstration of Irish dancing by the Irish Dance Troupe as well as a "hop-up" where the dancers will teach a few steps to those wanting to have a go.
Tickets, at €30 for members and €32.50 for non-members, include a three-course buffet and drinks.
For information and tickets call 939 564 614 or email [email protected]
17th March – St Patrick’s Day at Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago has prepared a series of events to celebrate the Saint Patrick’s Day, on the 17th March. Visit Koko Lane and have a true Irish experience with an Irish breakfast or lunch, plus there’s live music and an Irish dinner on the menu from 7pm.
For information and to book call 289 351 909 or [email protected]
Cheers Paddy!
Click here to find out what else is going on in the Algarve this month
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.