St Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world. However, for many it is simply a party, rather than a chance to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. This is strange, because Saint Patrick had a dramatic life.
As a young lad of sixteen years he was captured by a band of raiders near Bologne in Gaul and taken with many others to slavery in Ireland. He was first brought to Mayo, but later sold to an Antrim farmer and he spent six years in captivity as a shepherd on Slemish Mountain.
One cold winter’s night, while Patrick slept, he heard a voice telling him “it is well that you fast, soon you will go to your own country” and a short time later the voice said to him “Look, your ship is ready”.
The spirit guided Patrick to the south of Ireland near Wicklow where he boarded a ship with a cargo of dogs bound for Gaul.
At this time an invasion of Gaul had left much of it desolate. Patrick and the crew of the boat wandered for 28 days until all food had run out. Patrick said to the crew “turn to God and he will provide” and suddenly a herd of pigs appeared and they had food once more. Patrick had performed his first miracle.
For a number of years Patrick wandered through Gaul. Conscious of his lack of formal training in theology and law he spent his time talking to and learning from the wise deacons and Bishops and soon he was made a Bishop in Rome.
He was lonely in Gaul so he went to visit his relations in Britain. While he was there he had another vision in which a man arrived from Ireland with many letters, including one for himself. The letter said “We ask you boy to come and walk once more among us”. Patrick was delighted and went to Ireland immediately.
The people of Ireland at this time were pagans under the influence of the Druids. Patrick had first to rid the country of these “magicians”. This is symbolised by the banishing of the snakes forever from Ireland.
He now set about converting the people to Christianity. His deep faith and belief in the Blessed Trinity made this doctrine a centre piece of his instruction. To help explain the mystery he used the simple 3 leaf shamrock to illustrate 3 persons in one God.
St Patrick died in 461. By this time he had created an established structured church throughout the country. His converts were across the entire social classes from Princes to slaves and many of his priests and deacons were from the youth of Ireland. He is still to this day the most famous figure in Irish history and is one of the best known figures throughout the Christian world.
February 27th, 2008
O Donnells Celtic Fort Hostel is the place to be if you want cheap and comfortable accommodations in County Tipperary. The hostel is based in a renovated farmhouse in a very peaceful and quiet setting that ensures complete peace of mind for the guests. Comfortable beds and great cooking are combined in an attempt to modernize the old establishment, with surprisingly good results. The hostel is a serene and safe haven from the din of daily life. Guests can enjoy the sight of beautiful horses and ponies here and even feed them. There is also the choice of trying to learn how to mould clay pots which is sure to be a relaxing pastime. The accommodation consists of dorms as well as private rooms. Bed linen is included in the price. Breakfast is also free. Internet access is provided for the information needs of the guests. The hostel extends a warm welcome to children and welcomes their blissful presence. Luggage storage and laundry facilities are offered for the convenience of the esteemed guests. A common room is available for the guests to unwind and chat together in a friendly atmosphere.
March 21st, 2007
Cashel Holiday Hostel in County Tipperary offers some great accommodations at a very reasonable price. The hostel is based in a two hundred year old townhouse that has been renovated. This hostel is officially approved by the Irish Tourism Board. It’s a nice place to stay for tourists and backpackers. The hostel offers single, double, family and dorm rooms for the accommodation needs of its guests. All the rooms are decorated in a bright colourful manner and are always kept clean and spotless. The rooms also enjoy en-suite facility. Laundry facilities are offered for the convenience of the guests. The hostel staff can always be counted on for providing some helpful tips about the various happenings in the local area. A fully equipped kitchen with all the modern facilities is present for the self catering needs of the guests. The dining area is an excellent place for the guests to socialize over dinner and form new friendships. Central heating ensures that the guests remain warm and cosy. Nothing is more relaxing than a nice warm shower in the cold winter. The hostel staff recognizes this basic fact and therefore, hot showers are offered free of charge. The common room has an open fireplace and serves as a great place to chill out and hang with the other guests.
February 12th, 2007
Chez Hans is the perfect place in County Tipperary to enjoy some delicious gourmet meals in a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Food portions are quite generous so you can look forward to a truly fulfilling meal. The Chef of this restaurant is greatly partial to sumptuous meals so that somewhat explains the reason for the excellent cooking involved in preparing the delightful dishes at this restaurant. Pumpernickel and brioche breads are fresh and crisp. Fine quail with wild mushrooms is quite tender and succulent. The taste of punchy gratin of mussels can only be described as exquisite. Fish lovers will marvel at the otherworldly effect, brill and turbot cooked and served with butter sauce, have on their palates. Excellent desserts like boozy soufflés will definitely not fail to catch your fancy. This restaurant is an excellent place to enjoy all those memorable special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, home coming dinners, celebrations etc.
January 8th, 2007
