St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. His feast day is celebrated on March 17th, his date of death. He was born somewhere in the British Isles around 400 AD. There he spent much of his life until being captured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery for 6 years. Once free he became an Irish missionary and is credited with banishing snakes from Ireland and converting the Irish to Christianity.

Much lore is associated with this Saint and facts difficult to ascertain. This was relayed to me when I visited the Down Cathedral in Northern Ireland dedicated to the Saint. In the Cathedral cemetery he has a plot where some of his ruins are presumed interred.

While pictures of Saint Patrick often depict him in fine garments, during this era his dress would have been more of a toga or Barbarian type costume. His Cathedral is impressive and if you get the chance also stop by the Inch Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery in ruins which overlooks the Down area.

So, raise a glass, wear the green and enjoy the day devoted to this beloved Saint!