Discover what truly makes us Irish on St. Patrick’s Day
This St Patrick’s Day we’re inviting tourists and locals alike to dig a little bit deeper and discover what it truly means to be Irish and how that meaning is forever tied to the people who have left these shores.
At EPIC we’re celebrating the only way we know how – through our language, our literature, our art, our music, our dancing, and of course, our sense of humour. Visitors can expect fun pop-ups running in the museum over the weekend and with our Pogues exhibition extended until 18th March, it’s all the more reason to pay us a visit.
Kids get free admission on March 17th to fully immerse themselves in the exhibits on the big day and to help you do the same, we’ve gathered stories of 6 other Irish Patricks that influenced global history in our series below.
But don’t worry – visitors wearing leprechaun hats, shamrock glasses and other St. Patrick’s attire will still be welcomed with open arms.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENTS AT EPIC
They Gave The Walls A Talking
Exhibition ends March 18th
To cover one of music’s most iconic stories, we collaborated with Hot Press, Ireland’s legendary music, entertainment and pop culture magazine, to create an exhibition detailing the extraordinary story of The Pogues and Shane MacGowan.
This special pop-up is on its way to the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma and will officially close at EPIC on March 18th.
See it before it goes.
Entry to the exhibition included with admission ticket.
KIDS GO FREE – ST.PATRICK’S DAY
Sun 17th March
We’re delighted to offer FREE entry to EPIC and the Jeanie Johnston to children aged 17 and under* on Sunday March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day.
Offer is available online and at our ticket desk. We recommend booking in advance for the Jeanie Johnston due to limited capacity.
Book online, and the Child/Teenager tickets will be automatically discounted. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
*Maximum of 4 Kids or Teenagers per booking, offer only applies for Visit Date of March 17th.*
The ‘Other’ Patricks
From missionaries to pioneering musicians, these Six Patricks made significant contributions to the development of communities and industries that stretched around the globe. This St. Patrick’s Day, we remember the stories of other Irish emigrants who made their mark, wherever their journey brought them.
Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hannan
Paddy Hannan, born in County Clare, Ireland, ventured to Western Australia in search of opportunity, ultimately making a historic gold discovery in 1893. Their find, known as the “Golden Mile,” triggered a gold rush, transforming the remote region into the bustling town of Kalgoorlie. However, this era also brought a heap of controversy among Indigenous Australians.
Frances Moloney (aka Sister Mary Patrick)
Frances Moloney’s journey from wealthy aristocrat to dedicated missionary exemplifies a profound commitment to service. After her husband’s passing, she felt a religious calling to embark on challenging missionary work in China despite significant obstacles. Her legacy includes pioneering efforts in healthcare and education, leaving a lasting impact on communities she served.
Patrick Lafcadio Hearn
Born to an Anglo-Irish father, Patrick’s journey, from birth on the Greek island of Lefkada to becoming Yakumo Koizumi in Japan was marked by adversity. Despite facing partial blindness and discrimination, Hearn’s transformative journey led him to become a prolific writer and cultural interpreter, leaving a lasting legacy that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives.
Patrick Leahy
Patrick Leahy, a forgotten hero of the 1900 Paris Olympics, hailed from Creggane, Co. Limerick, destined for athletic greatness alongside his Olympian brother, Con. That year his remarkable resilience and endurance characterized the event of the year. He earned both silver and bronze medals in high jump and long jump, respectively. But despite his achievements, Leahy’s legacy faded into obscurity.
Patrick ‘Patsy’ Touhey
Patrick ‘Patsy’ Touhey, renowned for his mastery of the Uilleann pipes, led a life filled with musical brilliance and controversy. Born in Galway in 1865 but raised in Boston, Touhey was praised for his performances at a young age but soon faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes of Irish people. Still, you can’t talk about the popularization of Irish pipe music in North America without mentioning his name.
Patrick McGoohan
Born to Irish parents in New York in 1928 but raised Catholic in Ireland and England, Hollywood legend Patrick McGoohan rose to fame known for his charisma and unconventional roles. His portrayal of John Drake in “Danger Man” and “The Prisoner” solidified his status as an icon. But it was McGoohan’s refusal to conform to industry norms, combined with his artistic vision, that set him apart from his contemporaries.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY GIFTS
Great gift ideas from Irish Brands
IRELAND NEVER LEAVES YOU T-SHIRT – BOTTLE GREEN
WRAP YOURSELF UP IN IRELAND THROW
WE ALL COME FROM SOMEWHERE T-SHIRT – MINT GREEN
IRISH LANDSCAPE SOCKS BY IRISH SOCKSCIETY
St Patrick’s Day History-at-home Pack
Download our free History-at-home pack to discover the history of St. Patrick, and how the arrival of Spring heralded new beginnings for the Celts. Learn all about the traditions enjoyed on the day through word searches, trivia quizzes and activities and such as making your own Brigid’s Cross. What better way to celebrate St. Brigid and women around the world this St. Brigid’s Day!
MORE ST. PATRICK’S DAY STORIES
Browse through our online collection and follow the fascinating stories of the Irish around the world, both past and present and learn how St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated for centuries throughout our island and the world. Discover the many ways our cultural traditions have evolved over time.
SEANCHOÍCHE – REVIVING THE IRISH STORYTELLING TRADITION
Ciaran Gaffney set out to re-establish the ancient tradition of live storytelling in the imaginaries of a new generation of Irish people. The storytelling event has taken Ireland – and the world – by storm.
EPIC PERSPECTIVES: ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN TOKYO
Did you know Asia’s oldest and biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place in Tokyo? Despite having a diaspora of less than 2,000 Irish people, Japan has been embracing St. Patrick’s Day since the early 1990s.
The Rise of the St Patrick’s Day Parade
Although St. Patrick’s Day has long been celebrated in Ireland, the tradition of holding a parade on March 17th didn’t begin here. It actually developed among those who left Ireland and settled in faraway places.
St. Patrick: Ireland’s most celebrated immigrant
March 17th is the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint – Saint Patrick. But over the years it has evolved into a celebration of Ireland and its people, so many forget that Patrick wasn’t actually Irish…
How March became Irish-American Heritage Month
Back in 1991, the US Congress designated March as Irish-American Heritage Month – a month dedicated to recognising the contribution that Irish immigrants and their descendants have made to American society.