St. Patrick's Day

Monday was St. Patrick's Day. Dublin has the second largest parade in the world (trust New York to be the biggest!) After a very wet Saturday, Monday dawned clear and sunny. That doesn't mean it was warm! The temperature still rarely hits double figures, but if you get out of the wind in the sun it can be pleasant. We drove to the Canal and walked up to Dame Street, right outside Trinity College. The crowd was huge and about 10 deep, some people had been there since 9am to get front row viewing. We were on some steps, but the smart people bring step ladders! We just enjoyed taking in the sights. The Irish have NO inhibitions on this day - wearing the craziest things and not caring what others think. Plenty of the big green hats, the fake beards, scarves in orange, green and white and my favourite, the headbands with 'shamrock antennae'. The more sedate wear a bunch of real shamrocks in their pocket or on their lapel. Unfortunately I couldn't find a pair for myself! My award for 'Most Euro Confused' goes to the guys in the green tops, with green hair, kilts, footy socks and wooden clogs!! We headed down to St. Stephen's Green which is looking splendid and on to the Ceili Mor. It's basically a big Irish dance.

Unfortunately not many younger Irish people are aware that St. Patrick's Day is meant to commemorate St. Patrick bringing Christianity to Ireland. I will let the video tell the rest of the story.