What Is St Patrick's Day? 17 March, Explained
What is St Patrick's Day? The date, the saint and how it's marked
St Patrick's Day falls on 17 March, the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. It is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland, and it is marked with parades in cities across Britain, the United States and beyond.
It began as a religious feast day and grew, largely through the Irish diaspora, into the international celebration of Irish culture it is now.
Here is who St Patrick was, what happens on the day, and what to write if you're sending something.
Cards for the people you'd raise a glass with
Designed in house, printed in the UK and posted with a kraft envelope.
You Old Bastard (Funny Birthday Card)
£3.87
That's What I Call Old (Funny Dad Happy Birthday Card)
£3.87
Funny 30th Birthday Card (Frying Pan)
£3.87
See You Later, Alligator (Funny Good Luck Card)
£3.75
Only The Best Dads Get Promoted To Grandad (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Mums Get Promoted To Nanny (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Aunty (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Every Birthday With Me Is A Gift (Funny Husband Happy Birthday Card)
£3.87
The date and the saint
- 17 March, the traditional date of St Patrick's death. Shop this card
- A public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Shop this card
- Patrick was a fifth-century missionary, born in Roman Britain. Shop this card
- The shamrock is linked to him through the story of him using it to explain the Trinity. Shop this card
How it's marked
- Parades, the largest in Dublin, New York, Birmingham and Manchester. Shop this card
- Wearing green, and pinning a shamrock. Shop this card
- Irish music and dancing in pubs and community halls. Shop this card
- Buildings lit green, from Dublin landmarks to town halls across the world. Shop this card
- A pint of stout, in enormous quantities. Shop this card
What to write in a St Patrick's Day card
- Happy St Patrick's Day. Have one for me. Shop this card
- Wishing you the luck of the Irish and a decent pint. Shop this card
- Happy Paddy's Day — go easy, or don't. Shop this card
- Thinking of you today and every day you make me laugh. Shop this card
- Sláinte. Have a brilliant day. Shop this card
Funny cards for friends
Cheeky, warm and a bit rude if that's the mood.
You Old Bastard (Funny Birthday Card)
£3.87
That's What I Call Old (Funny Dad Happy Birthday Card)
£3.87
Funny 30th Birthday Card (Frying Pan)
£3.87
See You Later, Alligator (Funny Good Luck Card)
£3.75
Only The Best Dads Get Promoted To Grandad (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Mums Get Promoted To Nanny (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Aunty (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Every Birthday With Me Is A Gift (Funny Husband Happy Birthday Card)
£3.87
Whose a Clever Girl (Funny Graduation Card)
£3.75
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Uncle (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Sisters Get Promoted To Aunty (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Aunty (Floral Pregnancy Announcement Card)
£3.87
How to write it so it lands
- Post by 14 March if the card is going to Ireland.
- Keep the accent jokes out of it unless you know them very well.
- A funny card and a pint arranged for the weekend beats a themed gift.
Where to shop next
Frequently asked questions
When is St Patrick's Day?
17 March every year, the feast day of St Patrick.
Is St Patrick's Day a bank holiday in the UK?
It is a public holiday in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but not in England, Scotland or Wales.
Why is green worn on St Patrick's Day?
Green is associated with Ireland and with the shamrock, which legend says St Patrick used to explain the Trinity.