Every year, people across the globe gather together dressed in their finest green garb to partake in St. Patrick's Day festivities. However, most folks can't actually tell you why they are celebrating. For those wanting to know more about this joyful occasion, check out these fascinating St. Patrick's Day trivia questions and answers!
St. Patrick's Day Trivia Questions and Answers For Kids
Test your knowledge of this hearty holiday and have some fun along the way! This kid's trivia encompasses facts about holiday traditions, shamrocks, fairies, and those lucky little leprechauns.
What is Ireland's nickname?
The Emerald Isle
What color do we wear on St. Patrick's Day?
Green
Why do we wear green on Saint Patrick's Day?
This is a nod to the Emerald Isle and to the iconic Irish shamrock. It also supposedly makes you invisible to those pinching leprechauns!
What color should we actually be wearing on St. Patrick's Day?
If we truly wanted to honor St. Patrick, we would wear blue. Why? Look at ancient Irish flags-they feature harps, crowns, and sunbursts positioned on a blue backdrop. It was not until the 1978 Irish Rebellion that green became the country's signature color.
What color should you not wear on St. Patrick's Day?
Orange
Why is St. Patrick's Day celebrated on March 17th?
It is the day that Saint Patrick died.
How long is the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Dublin, Ireland?
It spans four days!
What do Irish families traditionally do before partaking in St. Patrick's Day fun?
They go to church! Many people don't realize that this is a religious holiday.
What animal is Saint Patrick famous for driving out of Ireland?
Snakes! However, this legend is a myth. The waters surrounding the Emerald Island have kept these reptiles at bay, and prior to the oceans rising, the temperatures were too chilly for these cold-blooded creatures because of the Ice Age.
What exactly is a leprechaun?
A mischievous male fairy. Their name translates to "small body."
What do leprechauns do for a living?
They are cobblers (shoemakers).
How much gold is in a leprechaun's pot of gold?
This will depend on the leprechaun's age. Irish folklore notes that there is one gold coin for every year of a leprechaun's life.
What is a fairy ring?
This is a naturally occurring ring of mushrooms. The Irish believe that they are a marker for underground fairy villages.
Do fairy rings bring good or bad luck?
Fairy rings are a sign of good luck, unless you destroy these magical markers.
What is the difference between shamrocks and four-leaf clovers?
Shamrocks are the official symbol of Ireland and a sign of good luck. They have three leaves that represent the Holy Trinity. In contrast, a four-leaf clover has an extra leaf, making it an extra lucky find!
St. Patrick's Day Trivia Questions and Answers For Adults
Looking for some more challenging St. Patrick's Day questions? These queries circle around St. Patrick, Ireland's history, holiday customs, and of course, the signature drinks served on this day of celebration!
Where was Saint Patrick born?
Britain
What was St. Patrick's real name?
Maewyn Succat
Why was St. Patrick sent to Ireland?
To convert the Irish to Christianity.
What do the colors of the current Irish flag represent?
The green represents the catholics, the orange represents the protestants, and the white in between stands for the unity between the two religions.
Where was the first St. Patrick's Day parade held?
Saint Augustine, Florida on March 17, 1601
When was the first St. Patrick's Day parade in Ireland?
March 17, 1931
Where can you watch the shortest St. Patrick's Day parade?
The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade route is in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.
How much dye does it take to color the Chicago river green for St. Patrick's Day?
Only 40 pounds!
How much Guinness is consumed on St. Patrick's Day?
13 million pints
How long was the original lease for the Guinness storehouse in Dublin, Ireland?
What year did Saint Patrick's day become a drinking holiday in Ireland?
1960 - Prior to this date, St. Patrick's Day was seen as a somber occasion that simply honored the death of Saint Patrick. This meant that pubs were closed for the observance of the holiday. It wasn't until it became a worldwide celebration that they reinstated alcohol sales.
What is boxty?
An Irish potato pancake.
What is a stereotypical St. Patrick's Day meal?
Corned beef and cabbage.
St. Patrick's Day occurs during the season of Lent. If the holiday lands on a Friday, can Catholics still enjoy their corned beef and cabbage?
The assumption would be no, but since the Catholics classify St. Patrick's Day as a feast holiday, they can partake in the tradition!
What teams have a leprechaun as their mascot?
The University of Notre Dame & the Boston Celtics.
What does the phrase "Éirinn go Brách" (pronounced Erin go Bragh) mean?
Ireland Forever!
Unlike a traditional cross, the Celtic cross has a circle in the center of it. What does this represent?
This symbol has multiple interpretations, including the sun and infinite love.
How many historic sites are lit up each year in honor of the holiday?
As of 2021, there were a reported 690 historic sites across the globe that lit up green for the St. Patrick's Day holiday. These included the Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Roman Colosseum, the Great Wall of China, Niagara Falls, the Sydney Opera House, and Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
What is a clurichaun?
This is a relative of the leprechaun who loves to drink.
What do four-leaf clovers symbolize?
They represent hope, faith, love, and of course, luck!
What is your chance of finding a four-leaf clover?
One in 10,000! It truly takes a stroke of luck to find these magical plants!
What is the highest number of leaves found on a clover stem?
A man in Japan found an extremely lucky clover that had a total of 56 leaves on it! This made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009.
St. Patrick's Day Trivia Is Fun for Any Age
Here's some additional trivia for you! Did you know that learning interesting facts can have amazing mental health benefits? It also provides an opportunity to connect with others and learn while having fun. That means folks young and old should test their knowledge on random facts on a regular basis! If you loved these fun St. Patrick's Day questions, then consider learning more about Irish traditions and culture as well.
