River Liffey in Dublin

by Michelle Delaney, SOUTH LAKE TABLET

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.  Normally, all over the U.S., large crowds flock to parades and pubs. In general, everyone wears green, eats corned beef and cabbage, and drinks an Irish Stout. This year is different. To limit the spread of the coronavirus, people have been asked to stay in the comfort of their home.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day shouldn’t be ignored just because you stay home. I for one will celebrate!

Here are some suggestions for all my wise Irish friends who are staying at home.

Wear Green! Whether you are staying home or venturing out. Remember, DON’T WEAR those “Kiss me I’m Irish” Buttons.

Drink, Eat and Be Merry

If you’re a beer drinker, raise a pint of Guinness or Murphy’s Irish Stout in honor of  St. Patrick. Irish coffee (Bailey’s, coffee and whipped cream) or a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream is totally grand after dinner. Jameson and Ginger or a perfectly brewed tea (milk and honey) is also great Irish refreshments. For additional ideas, visit Drink

Irish Stew, corned beef with boiled potatoes and cabbage and shepherds pie are my favorite traditional dishes. For more ideas, visit Eat Traditional Irish Food

Watch A Movie About the Irish

My suggestions:  Darby O’Gill and the Little People (for the kids). Once (great music).  My favorite, Leap Year with Amy Adams and Matthew Goode. Waking Ned Devine, lots of Irish humor. The classic, The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara.

Read A Good Irish Book

The Dubliners (James Joyce), Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt), Brooklyn (Colin Toibin), Finnegan’s Wake (James Joyce), Ireland (Frank Delaney)

Listen to Good Irish Music

U2- an Irish rock band from Dublin. Tin Lizzy – Irish rock. Dropkick Murphys. The Pogues. Sinead O’Conner. Enya. And, The Clancy Brothers

A little Trivia about the Irish Flag

The green represents the Irish people, most of whom are Catholic. The orange color represents the British supporters of William of Orange who settled in Northern Ireland in the 17th century, most of whom are Protestant. The white in the center represents the peace between the two groups.

 

Enjoy the beauty of the Emerald Isle