Explore 10 Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Destinations

As millions of people get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, many may not know who he was or why he is so famous. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He is credited with bringing Christianity to the island and legendarily ridding the country of snakes. Here is a quick look at who St. Patrick really was and the best places to go to explore his life and legacy this holiday.

Tywyn, Wales

Contrary to popular belief, St. Patrick was not born in Ireland, he was likely from a coastal village in Wales. He was kidnapped by Irish pirates and held as a slave for six years before returning to his family. Later as a cleric, he would return to spread his faith in Ireland. Tywyn is a seaside town in Wales dating back to the sixth century when St. Patrick lived. This is a likely candidate for the type of seaside settlement from which he was kidnapped.

Slemish Mountain, County Antrim

While the saint was being held as a slave he worked as a sheep herder and he was kept at Slemish Mountain, County Antrim. While this was a hard period of his life, it is where he had his religious revelations and found God. You can be inspired by the same landscape that he once was by visiting the summit of Slemish Mountain.

Lough Derg, County Donegal

Legend has it that St. Patrick drove all the snakes from Ireland. He supposedly killed the final snake in Lough Derg, County Donegal. The blood from the snake made the lake run red. The area is still rather isolated and calls serious pilgrims here to show reverence and find peace.

Hill of Slane, County Meath

On the Hill of Slane in County Meath, St. Patrick challenged the High King by celebrating his God instead of the local Druid spirits on Beltane. He used the confrontation with the King to perform miracles and explained the trinity with the three leaves of the shamrock. This is a lovely place to visit in honor of one of the saint’s most famous moments.