5 Fun St. Patrick's Day Activities

Two clover decorated mugs filled with whipped cream and green sprinkles.

As Ireland is sadly still in Lockdown it seems as though St. Patrick's Day celebrations won't go on as they usually would. But that shouldn't stop you from celebrating and having fun. You may not be able to dance on the streets of Ireland with your friends and family this year, but, you can put them on hold whilst creating new traditions.

We have put together a few little activities that will keep you and your family entertained this St. Patrick's day, whilst following government guidelines.

1. PLAN A SCAVENGER HUNT

A fun activity that gets the whole family involved! Why not set up a scavenger hunt and watch your little explorers be entertained for hours.  All you need to do is, create a word document with pictures of the items they need to find, along with tick boxes, then hide said items around the house. You can decide whether you want to use printed pictures or toys you have lying around. Your little ones will be thrilled to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, filled with delicious treats.

Here are a few options to add to your list:

• Irish Flag
• A Green Drink
• Horse Shoe
• Clover (send them to the garden to look)
• Leprechaun Footprints
• Leprechaun Hat
• Leprechaun
• Rainbow
• Pot of Gold (this should be the final item on the list, fill up a little bowl with a handful of golf chocolate coins)

2. SIP SOME GREEN DRINKS

What is St. Patricks day without a green beverage? Whether it's a smoothie for the kids or an adult drink for the older crowd, we have left some recipes below...

Mint Choc Chip Green Smoothie

A healthy breakfast option for the whole family to enjoy, you're even getting 1 of your 5 a day with the spinach!

Ingredients: 

• 2 frozen bananas
• 4 big tablespoons of greek yoghurt
• 2 big tablespoons of coconut milk (from a can)
• A handful of spinach
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla and peppermint extracts
• A handful of chocolate chips
• A sprig of fresh mint
• Ice

Method:

• Only one thing to do, and that is blend everything until it is smooth. Serve in a tall glass with a green straw to keep it festive.

Shamrock Shake

This is definitely an after dinner treat as it is quite filling but nevertheless extremely tasty.

Ingredients:

• 3 large scoops vanilla ice cream
• 4 tablespoons of double cream
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 6 drops green food colouring
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Glacé cherry, for topping

Method:

• Blend everything but the whipped cream and cherry. Once blended pour into a milkshake cup, top with cream and add the cherry before you serve

Bailey's Grasshopper

This one is for the adults, a festive beverage is a must have for St. Patricks day

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Green creme de menthe
• 1 oz. white creme de cacao
• 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream

Method:

• Add ice and all ingredients to a shaker. Mix together and serve over ice.

3. BAKE A FESTIVE SNACK

You'll need something to snack on whilst you're sipping on your green drink this St. Paddy's day, so why not try out some Irish themed sweet treats.

Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Bars

Ingredients:

• 110g. butter, plus more for pan
• 1 bag mini marshmallows (use vegan marshmallows too/gf if you're making gluten free friendly)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 150g Lucky Charms (use your favourite vegan cereal instead of lucky charms if you're making this recipe vegan friendly)

Method:

• Grease a baking dish with butter.
• In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the marshmallows and salt and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in Lucky Charms.
• Pour into your baking dish, be careful not to squash your mixture whilst adding it to the dish.
• Place it in the fridge and let cool completely before slicing and serving.

4. LEARN HOW TO STEP DANCE

The Irish step dancing defines Irish culture and it is easily identified around the world. It became successful thanks to Riverdance and became popular with aspiring dancers and fans

The dance itself was brought by Irish immigrants to wherever they settled and it was picked up by those around them. Why not experience the joy by learning the steps yourself...

Side Step in Jig

1. Point your right foot as you raise it up and hop with your left leg.
2. Hop with your left leg again, then bring your right leg behind your left one
3. As you place your right foot behind your left foot, transfer all your weight to your left foot.
4. Now hop with your right leg and bring your left foot behind you.
5. Bring your left foot behind you while you raise your right foot in the air.
6. Point your right foot and bring it down again.

Now you're a master at the Irish jig, play some classic Irish music and dance together with your friends and family.

5. WATCH THE VIRTUAL CELEBRATIONS

Although it would be much more fun to celebrate St. Paddy's day surrounded by your loved ones in a pub in Ireland, that simply isn't doable this year. However, the celebrations will be virtual, you will be able to tune in to SPF TV from 12-17th March, they will host over 100 events, showcasing Irish music, theatre, art, performance, poetry, storytelling, traditional arts, virtual tours, food, culture and more.

So enjoy your St. Patricks Day 2021 as it will be much different to those in years to come, grab a green drink, a festive snack and dance the Irish gig to the music playing at this year's St Paddy's day festival (on your TV).

Finally, why not wear some Regatta green clothing to really get you in the St. Paddy's mood.