St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and many of us are geering up to celebrate some good old Irish festivities. While St. Paddy’s Day activities popularly revolve around pubs and pints of Guinness, there are some other ways to participate in the holiday recreations. From my (very) Irish family to yours (on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish) — here are a few fun ways to spice up your St. Patrick’s Day:
1. Use some fun Irish slang
Get in touch with the language! Irish dialect is full of fun slang and sayings that I enjoy incorporating into my vocabulary every now and then. They’re fun to say and funny to hear, and what better day to test them out than St. Paddy’s? Give ‘em a shot, but (this is very crucial) don’t forget the accent. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Craic: a good time
- Example: “Tonight’s going to be a real craic!”
- Boyo: friend
- Example: “I’m meeting the boyos for a bite to eat.”
- Rugger Bugger: someone obnoxious, especially in relation to sports
- Example: My brother.
2. Listen to some Irish music
Whether it be the sweet sound of Celtic harps or the raunchy fiddles of folky pub music, turn it up! Irish music is so diverse and can be so lively. Sing along to a ballad or pop a pub tune and get your jig on. Oh look, Spotify’s already curated a playlist specifically for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day! I’d recommend delving deeper into the rich discographies of bands like The Pogues and The Dubliners for a more traditional Irish sound, or artists like The Cranberries, Van Morrison, U2, and Thin Lizzy if you’re interested in something more rock-inspired.
3. Hunt for four-leaf clovers
Ah, the four-leaf clover, also known as the shamrock. A rarity and a staple for the image of St. Patrick’s Day (and Irish culture as a whole). I used to set out as a child in search of the mythical strain of plant. I’d crawl across fields of green for hours and not find a thing. Don’t let that discourage you, though, because I’ve actually found three four-leaf clovers over the course of my mere twenty years (so fear not—they exist), and I’ve got to say that the feeling you get after finding one after what might feel like endless searching is beyond rewarding. I know it’s cold out there, but there are four-leaf clovers to be found, and, according to Irish legend, plenty of ‘good luck’ to be had if you’re able to find one (plus bragging rights) — so bundle up in a thick Irish sweater and get hunting!
4. Make an Irish meal or treat
There are tons of super easy (and yummy) Irish recipes out there. Some of my personal favorites include Irish soda bread, shepherd’s pie, and apple cake. Ireland kind of gets the schtick for being obsessed with potatoes (I admit, it’s true), but traditional Irish meals can span across all different genres of food — from soups, to grain, to vegetables, to seafood. And then, of course, there are the lovely desserts. Check out this simple soda bread recipe, brought to you by the adorable Chef Honey:
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope these ideas help spice up your holiday.