Happy St Patrick’s Day everyone! La Fhéile Padraig Sona Daoibh! Today we are reporting from Skerries, Co. Dublin, enjoying the festivities of the St Patrick’s Day Parade. Just off the coast of Skerries are 3 islands, one of which is St Patrick’s island.

Colt Island to the left with St. Patrick’s Island to the right with remains of his mission station.

According to local information from Fingal County Council, St Patrick, is said to have settled on the island after being expelled by the people of Wicklow, used it as a base for his missionary work on the mainland. However, legend has it that while he was away on this work, the people of Skerries came to the island and stole St Patrick’s goat, which they cooked and ate. When the saint discovered this, he stepped from the island to mainland in two giant strides, one on Colt Island and one on Red Island, the adjacent islands, and confronted the people who found they could only bleat when they tried to deny their misdeed. Their voices returned only when they admitted their guilt. Legend has it that the trace of the foot prints, one on each island, can still be seen.

Skerries is a delightful seaside town in County Dublin, just 25mins drive from Dublin airport. It has a wealth of lovely restaurants, delis and pubs in both the Strand and Church Streets and the Harbour area. The Harbour views boast the only place on the east coast of Ireland, you can watch the sun set over water. The Skerries Mills make for a picturesque skyline and an interesting visit. Welcoming and comfortable accommodation makes this a lovely stop over on your Irish journey. See www.visitskerries.ie

Enjoy these festive and local photos.

Leprachaun’s ride motorcycles too.

Boats in Skerries Harbour at low tide

Argillan Castle

Zara Quail for Lindsay Quail