Kerrygold Moments

It’s almost that time of the year when we paint the town green in celebration of St Paddy’s Day! Aside from enjoying one or more pints of green-tinged beer and dressing up in a gaudy leprechaun suit, are you wondering how else to celebrate the day or even what the fuss is all about in the first place? Read on as we share the story behind this legendary Irish holiday and how you can celebrate it in an authentic way right here in South Africa.

It all started with a man named Patrick…

It was an ordinary day in 395 A.D. when St Patrick came into the world. 16 years later, he was captured by Irish pirates and made to work as a shepherd slave. During his captivity, he turned to God as a source of comfort and formed a solid spiritual relationship. After six years, he was lucky enough to escape from his captors and make his way back home to Great Britain where he continued to study Christianity.

Acting on a vision, he returned to Ireland in 433 A.D. – only this time as a man on a mission to convert the Irish to Christianity. And this is where one of the central St Patrick’s Day symbols – the shamrock – comes in: legend has it that St Patrick used the three-leaf clover to teach the Irish about the Holy Trinity.

It’s said that he spent the rest of his days doing missionary work on the emerald isle and, since his passing on 17 March, 461 A.D., countless legends have ensued around the patron saint. Some of the most peculiar being that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland and made way for the custom where women can propose marriage on a leap day.

Centuries on, his life and mission are celebrated by way of St Patrick’s Day – a cultural and religious holiday observed not only by the Irish but millions more around the world.

How can you take part in the festivities here in South Africa? 

We may not have tons of spectacular parades and festivals like those in Ireland or Germany, but as South Africans we sure do know how to make a recipe for a good time. Have a happy (and hopefully lucky) St Paddy’s Day this year with these celebratory ideas!

1. Try traditional Irish recipes

Take a bite out of the Irish way of life by enjoying their traditional food and drinks. Wondering what to put on the menu? Sample any or all (we won’t tell) of these delicious dishes throughout the day.

Breakfast

• Irish Oat Flapjacks (a simply delicious treat similar to oat bars)

• Baileys and Coffee (to give your St Paddy’s Day morning a kickstart)

Lunch

• Irish Soda Bread (made even better with a little Kerrygold butter and your favourite toppings)

Snack

• Irish Scones with butter and jam (and a heavenly melt-in-the-mouth texture)

Dinner

• Irish Stew Hot Pot (with sublime flavours that’ll delight your dinner guests)

Dessert

• Bread & Butter Pudding (frugal but fancy, this dish lives up to the saying of “saving the best for last”)

As for the drinks? It’s always a good idea to enjoy a few pints of Irish beer or a glass of Irish whiskey on the rocks. While you’re at it, why not say a little Irish toast. Some of our favourites are “May the roof above us never fall in and we friends gathered below never fall out” and “May your pockets be heavy— your heart be light, and may good luck pursue you each morning and night.” For the teetotallers, you can always serve alcohol-free champagne tinged with green food colouring or even some ice-cold Crème Soda.

For more delicious food and drink ideas, visit our St Paddy’s Day Pinterest board here.

2. Take it to the streets

If you’re eager to get out the house, be sure to make a turn at your local pub or Irish watering hole – many of whom will be tailoring their offerings to the day’s theme. Keep a look out for all the lively festivities happening in your home city and make an occasion of it!

And if you’re keen to show some St Paddy’s Day spirit without going full leprechaun, dress up in your best green attire and don some shamrock accessories. Interestingly, this particular tradition was popularized by Irish immigrants in the United States who believed that wearing green made them invisible and therefore safe from the pinches of leprechauns and fairy creatures.

3. Spread some Irish cheer

Set out to bring good luck to those around you this St Patrick’s Day. You may consider making and distributing these themed treats and “lucky” tokens which are great for work colleagues or the kiddies’ teachers.

Alternatively, spread some Irish cheer by sending a beautiful bouquet of fresh lime green carnations and chrysanthemums to a friend or significant other. By giving it out, you may just receive a little luck in return too!

4. Revel in the experience

St Patrick’s Day is all about taking the time to appreciate the Irish culture and Ireland’s rich ancestry. There’s so much more to learn about the wonderful land we fondly refer to as Kerrygold country. Why not use this time to immerse yourself into the things close to Irish hearts – like learning a few words from the colourful Irish language, listening to their music or simply watching an Irish movie or telly series.

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How will you be celebrating St Paddy’s Day this year? Share all your legendary plans with us via any of our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.