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History of St Patrick

Roman Britain

History

Following his conquest of Gaul, Julius Caesar led two legions to Britain in 55 BC. In 54 BC he returned with five legions believing the land to be rich in silver.

Caesar’s expeditions had limited success and it wasn’t until 43 AD that Claudius established a stronger presence which would continue to grow for two centuries. The conquest however would never be complete, northern Caledonia in particular, would remain both wild and remote as would Hibernia, an island to the west.

The Roman Empire’s presence in Britain began to dwindle in the latter half of the 4th century, the growing menace of Germanic barbarian tribes, amongst other factors, precipitated the contraction of Roman influence.

Stained glass artwork of a bearded bishop in green and gold robes, holding a shamrock and staff, with a red halo and blue patterned background—evoking the rich history of St Patrick in Ireland.
Stained glass depiction of a bearded man in ornate religious robes and hat, holding a shamrock and bishop’s staff, set against a vivid red background—an iconic tribute to the history of St Patrick in Ireland.

History

The Man Behind the Legend

St. Patrick is a subject where most researchers, academics and scholars tend to differ. His status as a saint was endorsed by public opinion only – ‘Translatio Corporis’ or formal canonization never occurred.
 
In the mid-17th century, a Franciscan Friar from Waterford named Luke Wadding consolidated public opinion by listing March 17th as St. Patrick’s Day in Rome’s liturgical calendar. Scholars continue to debate many aspects of St. Patrick’s story, but what is substantial is the collective admission that we are dealing with a man who did exist.
 
His death is thought to be mid-5th century and his birth somewhere between 370 and 390 AD.
 
 
Stained glass window depicting a bearded figure with a halo, seated and holding a book and greenery—an homage to the history of St Patrick Ireland—surrounded by ornate designs and vibrant red, blue, and gold accents.
Stained glass window depicting a bearded man in religious robes and a bishop’s hat, holding a green shamrock—a nod to the history of St Patrick in Ireland—adorned with decorative patterns and nature scenes in the background.

History

Early Life and Captivity

Patrick left two documents written by his own hand – ‘Confessio’ and ‘Epistola’ – that give great insight into his character. In ‘Confessio’, Patrick tells us: ‘My father was Calpornius.

He was a deacon; his father was Potitus, a priest, who lived at Bannavem Taburniae. That is where I was taken prisoner.’

Young Maewyn (Patrick’s birth name) was kidnapped and enslaved in Ireland. The collective trauma of kidnap, separation, isolation and hardship tending livestock in the wild caused a spiritual awakening in the youngster.

He believed that his abduction was a form of divine retribution for his initial lack of faith.

A page from an old manuscript with Latin text in black and red ink. The left column features a large red initial "E" with decorative lines, and handwritten notes about the History of St Patrick Ireland appear in the margins.
Map showing the layout of Bannaventa, including old and modern roads, a Roman burial ground, Whilton Lodge, and a blue line marking Watling Street’s route. Discover local links with the History of St Patrick Ireland. A scale and compass are included.
Medieval illuminated manuscript illustrates the History of St Patrick Ireland: two men in robes beside trees, one reclining and barefoot, the other standing, as two dogs lick the reclining man's feet. A decorative initial letter frames the scene.

history

Return and Mission

Maewyn escaped from captivity and found passage back to Britain where he was reunited with his family. They welcomed him as a son and pleaded with him never to leave them again. However, he claims that he was summoned through dreams to walk among the Irish once more and spread the word of God. Upon returning home to Britain, Maewyn decided to devote himself to the service of God and the study of Christianity. It was at this point that he adopted the name ‘Patricius’ meaning father figure.

A group of people in mediaeval attire walk forward; a bearded man in the centre wears a robe and carries a staff, followed by others holding a cross and religious icon, evoking the solemn history of St Patrick Ireland.
A weathered stone slab with patches of lichen, engraved with a fading cross and partial, indistinct runic or Latin inscription, set on a cobbled surface—an echo from the history of St Patrick in Ireland.

Sources and suggested further reading

B. McCormack, ‘Perceptions of St. Patrick in Eighteenth-Century Ireland’ (Dublin 1998).
T. Cahill ‘How the Irish saved civilisation’ (Sceptre Lir 1995).
J. Duffy ‘Patrick in his Own Words’ (Dublin, 2000).
T. O’Loughlin ‘Discovering St. Patrick’ (London, 2005).
C. Mohrmann ‘The Latin of St. Patrick: Four Lectures (Dublin 1961).
M.B. De Paor ‘Patrick, the Pilgrim Apostle of Ireland: An Analysis of St. Patrick’s Confessio and Epistola (Dublin 1998).
D. Howlett, The Book of Letters od St.
Patrick the Bishop (Dublin 1994).
D. Conneely St. Patrick’s Letters A Study of their Theological Dimension (Maynooth 1973). Research compiled by Johnny Codd

history

The True Legacy

The actual legacy of St. Patrick is not necessarily the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, nor the intangible mythologies that surround him. The fortuitous timing of when Christian doctrine arrived is perhaps the key. As the Dark Ages descended on Europe, Ireland earned its reputation as ‘the land of saints and scholars.’

The guardianship of classical texts, both Roman and Hellenistic, coupled with an appreciation of knowledge and education became the defining characteristics of the Christian establishment in Ireland. Irish monasteries safeguarded literary treasures while barbarian tribes pillaged Europe, leaving little trace of Greco-Roman literature.

history

Myth and Reality

St. Patrick became quite the hero in Irish folklore, and the famed Celtic storytelling tradition played a significant part in weaving the wondrous tapestry of these tales. The church policy, when unable to deconstruct the pagan belief system, was to simply integrate the Christian message into existing folklore – a case of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’

It is interesting to note that neither ‘Epistola’ nor ‘Confessio’ mention shamrocks, snakes, Paschal Fire, or King Loíguire. The only supernatural events mentioned are the messages received through dreams. There are many strange myths and legends associated with St Patrick, so as Hamlet might say “therefore as a stranger give it welcome, for there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophies

A white pipe, three green shamrocks of different sizes, and a golden horseshoe are illustrated on a transparent background, evoking the festive spirit of the St Patrick’s Day Festival Waterford.

we had some craic’

Real Tales from Leprechaun Believers

Vibrant Atmosphere

Attending the St. Patrick’s Festival in Waterford was an unforgettable experience! The vibrant atmosphere, filled with music and laughter…

Megan Taylor
London

Diverse Events

I loved the diverse events, from the colourful parade to the engaging workshops. It was a perfect celebration of culture and joy!”

Mike Fairbanks
Derry

Full of Energy

The parade was vibrant and full of energy, especially the spectacular performance by the local dance troupe.

Trev & Lisa
USA

Local Culture

Watching the little ones explore the local culture and join in the festive fun with friends and family was a joy. We’re already counting down to next year!”

Joanne & Family
Leeds

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Frequently Asked Questions

The city is easily accessible for families to enjoy the festivities. We are here to help, with any questions.

The festival runs for four fun-filled days, typically starting before St. Patrick's Day.

Events and activities generally run throughout the day and into the evening.

  • Day 1 (Friday): Events usually kick off in the evening, with walking tours and ticketed performances starting around 6:30 pm and live music continuing late.
  • Day 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday): Daytime activities, workshops, and markets often start around 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Live music and street performances continue through the afternoon and into the evening.

Day 4 (Monday – St. Patrick's Day): The main St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at 1:00 pm sharp. Daytime workshops and the city fairground typically begin around 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The full schedule detailing locations and specific times for each day can be found on the festival's dedicated Programme of Events page.

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