Top of the morning to ya! St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and what better way to celebrate than by taking a bus tour in Ireland to discover the history and charm of this beloved day of celebration.
Who Was St. Patrick & Why Do Irish People Celebrate Him
Did you know that St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, wasn’t actually Irish? It is believed that he was born in Britain and was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned to Ireland as a missionary and eventually became the country’s patron saint.
He travelled the length and breadth of the island of Ireland, baptising people and establishing monasteries, schools and churches as he went. Legend has it that St. Patrick used a three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people, and that’s why the shamrock has become such a beloved symbol of Ireland.
If you’re looking to follow in St. Patrick’s footsteps, there are a few places in Ireland that he is rumoured to have visited. One of those places is the Rock of Cashel, an ancient fortress in County Tipperary. It’s said that St. Patrick baptized King Aengus here in the 5th century.
Another spot that St. Patrick is said to have visited is Croagh Patrick, a mountain in County Mayo. It’s believed that St. Patrick fasted for 40 days and nights on the mountain, and that’s why it’s now a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.
The World Famous St. Patricks Day Parades
Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day would be complete without a parade, and Ireland certainly doesn’t disappoint in that regard. The largest parade takes place in Dublin, where thousands of people line the streets to watch the colourful floats, marching bands, and dancers.
But Dublin isn’t the only place to catch a parade on St. Patrick’s Day. Cities and towns all over Ireland have their own parades, each with their own unique flair. For example, in Cork, they have a parade with a focus on community, featuring local groups and organizations. In Galway, they have a parade that celebrates the city’s maritime heritage. 2023 is shaping up to be the largest St Patrick’s Day spectacle that Galway city has ever seen. You can learn more about it here.
So, whether you’re looking to follow in St. Patrick’s footsteps, learn more about Irish history and culture, or simply join in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, a bus tour to some of Ireland’s best attractions is the perfect way to do it. And who knows, you might just get a bit of that luck o’ the Irish along the way!
Why not make a weekend of it in the West of Ireland, a fantastic alternative parade to Dublin City. Enjoy the spectacle and vibrancy of Galway City for the St.Patricks day parade. Then on Saturday, hop on a bus tour with Galway Tour Company to continue the fun.
On Saturday, March 18th, we will be running the following tours:
- 9am | Full Day | The Aran Islands & The Cliffs Cruise
- 10am | Full Day | Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
- 10am | Full Day | Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey
- 12:00pm | Half Day | Cliffs Tour including Doolin Village
