Because March means… St. Patrick’s Day (of course)!

March 4, 2015

They say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. So let’s get to celebrating! Here are some links and ideas to celebrate in March, and all the year long!

Parades: who doesn’t love bagpipers and Irish dancers? Link to parades everywhere! St Patrick Day parades

Irish Dancing Lessons: As a wee lass I loved Irish dancing and the competitions, or feis. And have been working on getting my daughters to take lessons for years. And finally have a taker!! I am striking while the iron is hot and signing up stat! Here is what I found in my search: Irish dancing schools

Baking: I know I am biased but this is the most delicious Irish soda bread. Ever. Like ever. Nana’s Irish Soda Bread.

Books! Some of our favorites are:
- St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning. This book is so sweet. And I read it with a brogue. You should too. Besides I think you have to, says something about it in the forward…
- That is What Leprechauns Do. This book takes me back to my childhood and listening to my grandfather, Da, spin tales about the little people.
- Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato – beloved by Tomie dePaola
- Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland a beautiful story about the life of St Patrick.
- To School Though the Fields – my grandmother said this book reminded her of her own childhood in Ballina, County Mayo. I have a copy with a note she wrote to my oldest in the cover. There are some things more valuable than all the gold in the world.

Music
- The Irish Tenors – classic and beautiful
- Celtic Woman
- The Cheiftains
- Van Morrison
- Children songs we love – Dance to Your Daddy, I’ll Tell Me Ma (love The Young Dubliners version), Mitty Matty had a Hen, Irish Lullaby, Go Lassie Go, and When I was Young. And of course, the Irish song above all songs, Danny Boy.
- Pandora has some Irish stations to help you get in the spirit as well!

Ready for the jig with my dear Aunt Helen and Uncle Jack

There is much fun to be had with leprechauns and the green – ideas on Pinterest here and here! And my post wouldn’t be complete without an Irish blessing….

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Slainte!

Written by Mary Kate O’Malley