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If you love St. Patrick’s Day, then Cork, Ireland, is the place to visit. Just outside Cork stands the timeless monument known as Blarney Castle, the home of one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, the Blarney Stone.
Blarney Castle is a classically designed piece of Irish architecture; although originally constructed in 1200, its current incarnation was a product of the MacCarthy Dynasty, a massive structure constructed in 1446. The castle boasts a rich history, having survived a number of wars and changes in ownership. Although partially in ruin it still boasts a number of notable features, including ebullient gardens, crystal clear waterways, and even a wedding chapel. Yet probably the castle’s most renowned distinction is the Blarney Stone, also called the Stone of Eloquence.
People literally have to bend over backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone, which is supposed to grant the gift of gab. One gift that tourists can take home for certain is a small piece of the Blarney Stone, available for sale in Irish gift shops.
No St. Patrick’s Day in Cork, Ireland, would be complete without a rousing St. Paddy’s Day celebration; one boasting party supplies that include paper mache shamrock wall hangings, standup leprechaun statues in clay and plastic, miniature shamrock party favors culled from paper or marble, emerald green table coverings, an elaborate centerpiece that resembles a leprechaun’s pot o’ gold, as well as plates, dishes and bowls that bear images of shamrocks and Irish rainbows with golden endings; all the better for enjoying native treats like rich Irish soda bread, and of course lots of beer (or perhaps green Kool-Aid for the younger or tea-totaling set).
An amazing place to visit for St. Patrick’s Day is Cork, Ireland; the home of the one and only Blarney Stone and a seat of classic Irish culture.
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Right click to copy the the printable St Patricks Day puzzle below.
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Right click to copy the the printable St Patricks Day puzzle
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* St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
* St. Patrick Day holiday is celebrated all over the world.
* St. Patrick's Day is more than four leaf clovers, green beer, and shamrocks. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false.
* It is known that St. Patrick was born in the end of the fourth century. During this time the Irish people were not Christians, but were Pagans.
* St. Patrick is believed to have died on March 17, around 460 A.D. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity.
* According to his writing, a voice (which he believed to be God's) spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland.
* Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation, an angel in a dream told him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a mission to convert the Irish to Christianity.
St. Patrick used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire.
* St. Patrick also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross.
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Educational St Patricks Day History Learning Guide
Mardi Gras Party Supplies
