As an expatriate living in Dublin, Ireland for a few years now, I am also looking forward to bank holidays. Not really for the joy of having a day off and do nothing, but because most of them relate to a traditional celebration...

1. The shamrock is the symbol of holy trinity taught by Saint Patrick to the pagans.

2. Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dish.

3. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in the United States on March 17, 1762, when Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City.

4. More than 100 St. Patrick's Day parades are held across the United States; New York City and Boston are home to the largest celebrations.