The culture of Ireland includes customs and traditions,language, music, art, literature, folklore, cuisine and sportsassociated with Ireland and the Irish people. For most of its recorded history, Ireland's culture has been primarily Gaelic. It has also been influenced by Anglo-Norman, English and Scottish culture. The Anglo-Normans invaded Ireland in the 12th century, while the 16th/17th century conquest andcolonization of Ireland saw the emergence of the Anglo-Irish and Scots-Irish.Today, there are notable cultural differences between those of Catholic and Protestant background, and between Travellers and the settled population.Though there are many unique aspects of Irish culture, it shares substantial traits with those of Britain, other English-speaking countries, other predominantly Catholic European countries, and the other Celtic nations.
Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on 17 March, the death date of the most commonly-recognised patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick.
Saint Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early seventeenth century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutheran Church. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland,
as well as celebrating the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, céilithe, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.
Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland,
Northern Ireland,and Montserrat.
