The Irish and Those Who Wish They Were

“St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time—a day to begin transforming

winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.”  -Adrienne Cook

A few people have told me over the years that they have heard that the Irish don’t make a very big deal out of St. Patrick’s Day.  Not true at all. 

St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday.  Banks, schools and most businesses are closed. 

In Galway, the festivities began the night before.  I attended the first official event of St. Patrick’s Day—a multi-media presentation called “The Coming of Spring.”  A film and computer-generated video was projected onto a stone wall of the old Galway Museum. The creators took the texture and pattern of the wall into account.  There were a number of planned holes in the wall and they were used in the art; for example, at one point it looked like water was pouring from one of the holes.  The ten or twelve minute presentation was accompanied by live music.  The whole thing was very interesting and well done.  The crowd was appreciative. 

This is the wall used for the art installation

During the night I heard a number of people who enjoyed a few drinks or more as they made their way, loudly, past my building.

After a morning of working on my book, I ventured out at about noon.  The city felt different; the energy was high and there was light-heartedness in the air.  Mobs of people dressed in St. Patrick’s Day “finery” made their way through the town.  

The children, in particular, were adorable. 

The Galway parade, reputed to be among the best in Ireland, kicked off at 12:30.  I found a decent spot without too many people in front of me.  I had to hold my camera up to get some of the shots, but I also was able to see quite a bit. 

The parade was very festive.  The participants were young and old and they represented a great many interests, activities and groups.  The parade was also very multicultural and it felt like a celebration of many cultures. 

I walked around for a while after the parade and it was clear that the celebration was continuing.  I went home, but I did watch people from my window as they wandered the docks.  That night was surprisingly quiet.  Or, the earplugs I wore worked. 

I am so glad I had a chance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.  I’m sure I will remember it every year. 

“May you live all the days of your life.” 

Jonathan Swift