10 Alternative Things To Do This St. Patrick’s Day
Even though St Patrick’s Day events up and down the country are called off this year, that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate it – responsibly!
Check out our 10 alternative things to do this St. Patrick’s Day
1. St Patrick’s Day movies
Check out these cult classics! The Snapper, Darby O’Gill & the Little People, My Left Foot, The Guard
2. Bake some Irish Brown Soda Bread
A staple on Irish dinner tables, brown soda bread and a hearty bowl of vegetable soup go hand in hand. Check out this Brown Soda Bread recipe by Sea View House.
3. Listen to some Traditional Irish Tunes on Spotify
St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be complete without some Traditional Irish Music tunes, so here’s a couple of playlists on Spotify for your phone, car or home.
Traditional Instrumental Playlist
St. Patrick’s Day Classics (non-traditional but still good tunes all the same!)
4. Pick some Shamrock on a Walk
Although Ireland’s national symbol is actually a harp, the shamrock has become a global symbol for all things Irish. Growing along the coastline and green fields makes it the perfect thing to pick on a nice refreshing walk. Please be mindful of others though and keep at least a 2-meter distance between people – Social Distancing
5. If at home, whip up an Irish Guinness & Beef Stew
RECIPE OVERVIEW
PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes
COOKING TIME: 120 minutes
Ingredients:
Serves: 4 people
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150 mls Beef Stock
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2 Celery (chopped)
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500 mls Guinness
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30 g Plain Flour
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2 tbsp Rapeseed Oil
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2 Carrots (chopped)
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2 cloves Garlic (finely sliced)
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1 Onion (chopped)
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400 g Quality Irish Diced Beef
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the meat in two batches, be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Add another drop of oil if you need it and then fry off the onion, carrots and celery. Add the meat back into the pot along with the garlic.
- Pour in the stock, Guinness, and season to taste.
- Simmer gently for about 1 1/2 hours until the liquid has reduced.
- If the sauce isn’t thick enough strain the juices into a bowl and then transfer to a small saucepan. Mix a little of the sauce with the flour over heat until you have a smooth paste, then whisk through the rest of the liquid.
- Simmer gently until you have a thickened sauce, then tip back over the meat. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
6. Enjoy a glass of Guinness
Grab a can of Guinness from the fridge, sit back on your sofa and do Number 10 below.
7. Play/learn an Irish Instrument
This is the best time to learn or practice an instrument that you love. Why not try out the famous Tin Whistle!
8. Cosy up by the fireplace & read up on some Irish Stories, Myths & Legends
The Pooka, Fairies, Leprechauns – some of the most famous myths and legends from Irish folklore. Grab a good book or download one on your kindle and relax by the fireplace.
9. Dress up at Home
Get out your green garments and dress up to celebrate our nation’s patron saint and favourite colour!
10. Re-watch the 2019 Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Youtube
The whole of Ireland and lots of the world are not holding a St. Patrick’s Day parade this year due to the current crisis but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate indoors with your household members. Watch last year’s parade below, and remember… this too shall pass. We’re all in it together! Sláinte!
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