St. Patrick’s Day Fun Facts—And Why It’s the Perfect Excuse to Host a Feast
When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, you probably picture parades, shamrocks, and maybe even a festive green beer.
But did you know that St. Patrick’s Day was originally a solemn religious holiday—and a much-needed break from fasting?
One of the most interesting St. Patrick’s Day fun facts is that for centuries, March 17th fell right in the middle of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and sacrifice leading up to Easter.
In Ireland, where St. Patrick’s Day honors the country’s patron saint, it was considered a holy day of obligation, meaning people attended church and observed religious traditions.
But here’s the twist...
The day was also seen as a temporary reprieve from Lenten restrictions, allowing people to indulge in hearty meals, rich foods, and even a celebratory drink. That’s why feasting became such a central part of the holiday!
This little-known fact makes St. Patrick’s Day the perfect excuse to gather your loved ones for a festive meal. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with family or a lively charcuterie-style celebration with friends, embracing the spirit of an indulgent break is something we can all appreciate. After all, life is about balance—work and play, tradition and fun, everyday meals and special moments shared around the table.
Bring the Feast to Life
If you’re planning a gathering, think beyond the usual corned beef and cabbage. A St. Patrick’s Day charcuterie board can be a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate. Mix in Irish cheeses like Dubliner and aged cheddar, add some soda bread crisps, and include green elements like grapes, cucumbers, or pistachios for a festive touch. Pair it with an Irish stout or a classic whiskey cocktail, and you’ve got yourself a holiday-worthy spread that your guests will love.
Another St. Patrick’s Day Fun Fact
We Made These Irish Charcuterie Board Recipes Just For You!
More Fun Facts About St. Patrick’s Day...
-
St. Patrick Wasn’t Irish – Though he’s Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick was actually born in Roman Britain and brought to Ireland as a slave before eventually becoming a missionary.
-
The Color Was Originally Blue – While green is now the signature color of St. Patrick’s Day, early depictions of St. Patrick used blue, and Ireland’s historical color was also blue.
-
Why the Shamrock? – Legend says St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the Irish.
-
Chicago Dyes Its River Green – Since 1962, the city of Chicago has dyed its river bright green every year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, using an environmentally friendly vegetable-based dye.
-
Corned Beef Isn’t an Irish Tradition – In Ireland, people traditionally ate bacon and cabbage. Corned beef became popular among Irish immigrants in the U.S. as a more affordable alternative.
-
St. Patrick’s Day Used to Be a Dry Holiday – Until the 1970s, pubs in Ireland were closed on St. Patrick’s Day because it was considered a strictly religious occasion. The shift to celebrations with beer and whiskey came later.
This St. Patrick’s Day, embrace the tradition of feasting. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, what matters most is gathering with those you love and savoring the moment. Sláinte!
Check Out Some Of Our Amazing Products...
Let customers speak for us
Kelsey&Ireland Team
Quality work and excellent customer service
What an absolute pleasure this order was. From start to delivery our bulk order of client gifts was so easy, an incredible value and we cannot recommend Roots to Table enough.
Personalized Live Edge Charcuterie Board, Black Walnut Rustic Cheese Boards, Custom Engraved Wood Serving Tray Wedding & Housewarming Gift
Sara Nieves
My clients RAVE!
I have gifted this cutting board to my clients throughout 2025. All of them have raved about the board’s look and quality! Pair it with a Charcuterie idea book and you’ve got yourself a great house warming gift! The seller’s are also fantastic; they communicate well and deliver as promise!
The Tree Series Personalized & Hand Crafted Live-Edge Maple Charcuterie Board
Etsy customer
Great Gift for my husband for father’s day. He loves it
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
Etsy customer
It was a great father’s day gift for my husband. He loves it
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
Etsy customer
They were very responsive when I called. The personalized crib board is beautiful, smooth and came in a box all wrapped up so I can present it as a gift just as it is. Great presentation!
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game
Etsy customer
Absolutely beautiful anniversary gift! Prompt shipping and arrival!
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
Etsy customer
We had a mishap with our order and the team was very easy to work with and had us our desired order fast! I am so happy with how everything turned out! It was a wedding gift and they loved it!!
THE SPROUT & SEEDS: Hand Crafted Maple Charcuterie Boards
Etsy customer
Am I ever happy with my board! Having a memory from our late grandmother is something to Cherish! Thank you so much for your help. Lovely product, amazing customer service and quick shipping to boot!!
Personalized Recipe Cutting Board, Custom Maple Charcuterie Board with Handwritten Recipe Engraving. Gift for Housewarming, Mom, Grandma
Etsy customer
Cribbage boards usually, if not always, come with pegs. This board did not. Very unusual. I thought pegs would be included. My only negative.
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game
Gina Evangelista
Perfect Thank you gift
We love our gift . The cutting board is beautiful!
Personalized Live Edge Charcuterie Board, Black Walnut Rustic Cheese Boards, Custom Engraved Wood Serving Tray Wedding & Housewarming Gift
Marie Railey
this as a forever memory!
This was a lifetime keepsake for my grand daughter’s Wedding!
They were absolutely thrilled to be remembered this way!
Highly recommend a gift such as
this as a forever memory! Thank-you for your gracious care and delivery!
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
Etsy customer
They were amazing with quick responses..and ideas when I was at a loss. They were SUPERFAST with shipping and it arrived FOUR days early...with proofs prior! It is absolutely gorgeous...
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game
Etsy customer
Beautiful and fast ! Packaged amazing! This will make a great gift 😊
Jigsaw Puzzle Coasters Set of 4. In Maple or Black Walnut
Stephanie McLeod
Spectacular quality
Received my board today and it’s beautiful. From the packaging that is filled with warmth when you open the box to the out standing workmanship. The quality of the board is exceptional, even to the personalized engraving. You can feel the creativity, love and heart and soul that Charlene and Jason put into their designs and the passion for what they create.
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
MONICA R.
Gorgeous and Fast!!!
This board is INCREDIBLE! Charlene handpicked the boards for the wood color and grain that I liked. I was able to select the boards that I liked, along with designs and engravings for the front and back of each board. She sent me pictures of the designs and fonts for approval. I ended up buying 4 boards. I know I will definitely buy from them again. Thank you for such great quality products and fast service!!!
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
