In 1903, St. Patrick’s Day became an official public holiday in Ireland.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ireland was held in Waterford in 1903.

The first official, state-sponsored St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin took place in 1931.

As well as Dublin, many other cities, towns, and villages in Ireland hold their own parades and festivals, including Cork, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Waterford.

The biggest celebrations outside the cities are in Downpatrick, County Down, where Saint Patrick is said to be buried. The shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world formerly took place in Dripsey, County Cork. The parade lasted just 23.4 metres and traveled between the village’s two pubs. The annual event began in 1999, but ceased after five years when one of the two pubs closed.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY TO ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS — WHETHER OF IRISH DESCENT OR NOT …

May you always have walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain, tea beside the fire;
Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire.