Records on St Patrick’s Day celebrations

The National Archives holds a treasure trove of files relating to St Patrick’s Day celebrations both at home and abroad. These records offer fascinating insights into how this iconic Irish holiday has been commemorated across the globe.

Among the highlights in our archives that can be found in the online catalogue are messages from An Taoiseach and the President for St Patrick’s Day and records on the functions attended by heads of missions and various international celebrations including those in Paris, Accra, Lisbon and Chicago. These documents span decades, from the sale of shamrock in Paris in 1931 to visits by Irish ministers to the USA and Britain in the 1980s.

One notable event was the first ever St Patrick’s Day celebration in Lagos, Nigeria in 1962. For a detailed look at that historic celebration, check out our blog post on St Patrick’s Day in Lagos. Also Dr John Gibney’s article on St Patrick’s Day as featured in the Documents on Irish Foreign Policy series provides an in-depth exploration of the diplomatic significance of these celebrations.

Dr Elaine Mahon’s RTÉ Brainstorm article offers a fascinating glimpse into Dublin’s culinary past, featuring a rare 1933 menu from J. E. Mills, Limited. This menu, part of our collection, showcases a variety of elegant refreshments, from lobster rolls to strawberry ices, highlighting the rich food culture of the time.

As we celebrate St Patrick’s Day today, it is important to remember the historical significance of such events and the role they play in fostering global connections. Whether celebrated at home or abroad, St Patrick’s Day remains a day of unity, celebration and pride in Irish heritage.