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11 real struggles of celebrating Paddy's Day abroad

The grass is definitely greener on the other side.

PADDY’S DAY IS a wonderful annual celebration of all things Irish, we can all agree on that.

Being away from home for it though can have its own unique pitfalls:

1. People talk about it for about six months before it happens

Tim & Mark with a stranger Source: Sarah Korf

Yeah, it’s a big deal – but probably not worthy of such an epic build-up period. It’s tough to give a detailed answer to the question of “so what are you doing for St. Patty’s Day?” in November.

2. There is excited chatter from locals that the bars will be so busy you won’t get in

giphy Source: Giphy

And then everything is grand. Every time.

3. You don’t even get a day off work

giphy Source: Giphy

The real joy of St. Patrick’s Day – the beautiful day off – isn’t even a thing. It’s so disappointing.

4. People claiming to be Irish will jump by 1741%

St. Patty's Day 2009 Source: pknitty86

5. When people realise you’re actually Irish they look at you in awe

giphy Source: Giphy

“You’re actually from Ireland?” *bows to St. Patrick’s Day royalty*

You’re a mini celebrity in the bar for one day only.

6. Loads of people start drinking at Noon and are home by around 6pm

St. Patty's Day 2009 Source: pknitty86

They just aren’t used to it, the poor lambs.

7. Of course, wearing green on the day is mandatory

St. Patty's Day 2009 Source: pknitty86

8. Actually, leprechaun costumes are pretty much the norm

Strangers, because there's actually a PERSON in that leprechaun suit... Source: Sarah Korf

You can’t escape their creepy stares.

9. In some places it will be exclusively called “St. Patty’s Day”

Not just spelled that way, but pronounced like that as well.

Please, no.

10. There will be many varieties of green liquid served

St. Patty's day 007 Source: Lansing Jaycees

Delicious.

11. You actually start missing Paddy’s Day at home

DUBLIN PUB - LARGE CROWD Source: infomatique

Even if you never loved it, there is something about being abroad that just drags a little.

Still, let’s face it, hardly any other country gets its own special day in so many foreign countries. So we’ll try and struggle through it the best we can.

More The 8 unique struggles of having an Irish accent abroad>

More Dublin Airport is asking tourists not to say ‘St Patty’s Day’>

About the author:

David Elkin

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