In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is not only a time for celebration but also a religious experience. Since the beginning of the 17th century, it has been celebrated as an official religious holiday on the Catholic calendar. The country’s banks and other businesses close down, and most Irish citizens attend Mass to give thanks for missionaries working around the world.

You can attend an eventful mass at 11.30 am in Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, 196 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JY. Celebrated by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia where you can be welcomed by an Irish piper, followed by music and song from St James the Great Band.

What are a few other traditions I should be aware of?

These traditions are less steeped in history, but they’re worth knowing anyway – especially if you want to celebrate the saint properly yourself.

• Eating corned beef and cabbage: This, again, is actually more of an American than Irish tradition. It dates back to the 19th century, when most Irish Americans were poor and could only afford the cheapest meat possible, corned beef. As for cabbage, it’s most likely included simply because it’s a spring vegetable.
• Drowning the shamrock: Simply place a clover at the bottom of your cup, fill with Guinness or Irish whiskey, and drink up. It’s up to you whether you’d like to eat the shamrock or chuck it over your shoulder for good luck.
• Wearing green: Actually, this colour association is kind of a fluke. Originally, the original colour of St. Patrick’s Day was blue. But for several reasons, green prevailed. Ireland is often referred to as the Emerald Isle, and its flag displays a green stripe. Irish Catholics typically wear green (Irish Protestants typically wear orange, the other prominent colour on the Irish flag). And, of course, shamrocks are green, giving the colour an added advantage.
• Pinching others who are not wearing green: Rumour has it that leprechauns — who are most often imagined wearing green getups — pinch those around them who are not sporting similarly green apparel. That has evolved into humans pinching each other to display the disapproval we think the leprechauns would be showing. You won’t be surprised to know that this, too, is a largely American tradition. The Irish leprechauns of yore didn’t even wear green. But that won’t stop strangers from taking a pinch, so choose your outfit wisely.

Whatever you end up doing for the big day, be sure to tag #Easirent in your photos if you’re out and about in our hire cars. Always drink responsibly and never drink and drive – add an additional driver for FREE here.