An Irish Journey. Places Made Famous by St. Patrick.

Hi everyone. I hope I find you all well this week. So with St. Patrick’s Day just one week away, it’s time to take a trip around Ireland to visit some of the places made famous by our patron saint. Also just to remind you too that there’s still time to enter our St. Patrick’s Day Giveaway. All you have to do is make a purchase with The Irish Store between now and St. Patrick’s Day to be in with a chance to win a dream trip to Ireland!

Places Made Famous by St. Patrick

1. Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

We begin at this majestic mountain with it’s fairytale peak overlooking Clew Bay in Count Mayo. It stands at 2057 feet and takes it’s name from the man himself. The story of myth and legend goes that it was from here that he banished the snakes from Ireland. It was also here that it is believed he fasted for 40 days. Every year, people gather on the last Sunday of July to follow in St. Patrick’s footsteps and climb the mountain. Some even climb the mountain in their bare feet as an act of penance.

2. Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary

Next up we’re off to County Tipperary to one of Ireland’s most spectacular historical sites. Legend has it that the rock itself came into being when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave at Devil’s Bit mountain. The tall tale goes that the devil took a bite out of the mountain and spat the rock to its current location! Another story associated with the saint and the Rock of Cashel is that it was here that he baptized and in turn converted the then King of Munster, Aonghus to Christianity.

3. Hill of Slane, County Meath

We now travel across to the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East in County Meath. The Hill of Slane is steeped in folklore concerning St. Patrick. Legend has it that it was on the Hill of Slane that he taught the Holy Trinity using the shamrock to early Christian converts. Another story associated with Ireland’s patron saint is that he lit the first paschal fire on the hill against the wishes of the pagan High King Lóegaire who lived on the Hill of Tara.

4. Slemish Mountain, County Antrim

This is the place where St. Patrick is thought to have started his Irish journey. The story goes that  St. Patrick was captured in Roman Britain and brought to Ireland as a slave. It was in this part of the world where it is thought he spent his early years in Ireland  while working as a shepherd and found his faith during this trying time of extreme hardship. Each year on St.Patrick’s Day people gather to walk to the top of Slemish as a pilgrimage.

5. Down Cathedral

We end our journey at St. Patrick’s final resting place. It is believed he died on 17 March 461 giving birth to St. Patrick’s Day! His remains were brought to the Hill of Down, the site of this beautiful cathedral in county Down.

So I hope you enjoyed our trip around Ireland in honor of St. Patrick. Our St. Patrick’s Day Mega Sale is now on so grab yourself a bargain today. You could also be in with a chance to win a dream trip to Ireland! Just make a purchase between now and St. Patrick’s Day to be automatically entered into our draw!

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

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