Saint Patrick's Day may be best known for the flow of Guinness and nights of revelry, but there is a rich history behind the holiday. If you're keen to have the very best experience on this historical day, why not take St Patrick's Day tours in Ireland?
Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland – and you'll find that taking budget festival tours in the country is the very best way to experience the merirement associated with the day.
Despite being an Irish saint, Saint Patrick is actually thought to have been born in northern England or southern Scotland, where he remained until his teen years. He was brought to Ireland by Niall of the Nine Hostages – a well-known king in the country.
Having been taken to Antrim, he was sold into slavery and worked in the mountains for some six years, where he had very little human contact. He is said to have heard God's voice at this point, instructing him to flee to the coast where a boat would be waiting.
Obeying, Saint Patrick embarked on a 200-mile journey to Wexford, where he did indeed board a boat for England. However, his freedom did not last long and he found himself enslaved once more – but this time was free of his captors in 60 days.
Deciding to travel around Europe, his wanderings continued for some seven years before he decided to study in the Lerin Monastery, which was situated on an island near to the Cote d'Azur.
After completing his studies, he once again ventured onto UK shores – this time as a priest. He then realized his calling was to convert the Irish to Christianity, however, decided to go to France first to study further.
Having spent several years in the Monastery of Auxerre in France, he returned to Ireland and began preaching the Gospel, attempting to convert those he met.
This drew attention from the country's monarchs – and King Laoghaire, impressed with Saint Patrick's devotion, allowed him to travel around Ireland preaching. However, he did not convert to the faith himself.
After preaching for many years, Saint Patrick died in 461, on March 17th. There are many legends surrounding him, such as that he used the shamrock to help people understand the concept of the Holy Trinity.
To mark his death and celebrate his life, St Patrick's Day is celebrated every year on March 17th.
And if you're keen to be part of the most vibrant festivals, traveling to Dublin for St Patrick's Day tours is certainly not to disappointment you.