Both living in in the US and now in Ireland, I have the impression that us Americans believe that the Irish people don't celebrate St. Patrick's Day as much as Irish Americans, or all Americans (We're all Irish on St. Paddy's Day!), do. And, I don't think that is true. I have had a amazing week embracing my Irish culture and celebrating the life of St. Patrick, and I thought I'd share with you what my celebrations looked like!
1.) Since the new year, I've been taking Irish lessons at the Lecale Gaelic Society in Downpatrick. Last week, instead of our typical "rang na gaelige" we participated in the Society's lá fhéile Pádraig celebration. The hall were all decked out with green and shamrocks, we had traditional stew and wheaten bread...yummy, the more advanced classes took part in a storytelling contest, and then there was singing and traditional music well into the night!
2.) Belfast City Council hosted a week-long St. Patrick's Day festival. Lots of Irish music events, Irish films, history lectures, activities for kids, and a parade. On Saturday I participated in a free tin whistle lesson in the City Hall! I had so much fun. I even bought a tin whistle music book on the walk back to my car!
3.) While killing some time in the Belfast welcome center before my tin whistle class, I discovered that St. Oliver Plunkett, a Catholic Church in West Belfast, was having a bi-lingual mass on St. Patrick's Day! And, so that's how I started my day. I was greeted by blue skies, had a lovely drive up to Belfast, and really enjoyed the Irish-English Mass. My friend Kevin always says that it is through prayers and poetry that the Irish Language is at its bests, and after this Mass I couldn't agree more. Having taken Irish lessons for a few months, I could pick up a few words here and there. There was also a screen that had the people's responses in Irish so people could read along (as if you could just "read along" in Irish if you've never had any lessons!). I really enjoyed how different members of the community read the Prayers of the Faithful (in Irish) and my favorite intentions was: "We pray for all the Irish people, those aboard and those have come to living in our great country." To which we responded: "A Thiarna, bí ceannsa agus éist linn" (Lord, graciously hear us). They also played a song I've never heard before, "Hail Glorious St. Patrick."
4.) Okay, okay. I couldn't help myself! Its not St. Patrick's Day if you don't have a Guinness! Sláinte!
3.) While killing some time in the Belfast welcome center before my tin whistle class, I discovered that St. Oliver Plunkett, a Catholic Church in West Belfast, was having a bi-lingual mass on St. Patrick's Day! And, so that's how I started my day. I was greeted by blue skies, had a lovely drive up to Belfast, and really enjoyed the Irish-English Mass. My friend Kevin always says that it is through prayers and poetry that the Irish Language is at its bests, and after this Mass I couldn't agree more. Having taken Irish lessons for a few months, I could pick up a few words here and there. There was also a screen that had the people's responses in Irish so people could read along (as if you could just "read along" in Irish if you've never had any lessons!). I really enjoyed how different members of the community read the Prayers of the Faithful (in Irish) and my favorite intentions was: "We pray for all the Irish people, those aboard and those have come to living in our great country." To which we responded: "A Thiarna, bí ceannsa agus éist linn" (Lord, graciously hear us). They also played a song I've never heard before, "Hail Glorious St. Patrick."
4.) Okay, okay. I couldn't help myself! Its not St. Patrick's Day if you don't have a Guinness! Sláinte!
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