As an American, I like to think that every Holiday in the country is nothing more than another chance to drink until we are hospitalized. It surprised me to learn that St. Patrick's Day is an actual holiday that the Irish do celebrate - be it in a slightly different fashion than the United States.

There are St. Patrick's Day Parades each year in Galway, Dublin, Limerick, Waterford and Cork - this is the real deal folks, not just those "pretend Irish" walking around with half a cup of Stoli. Dublin and Cork also have days long festivals to commemorate St. Patrick - who was a real guy (unlike Santa Claus and G. W. Bush). Isn't it nice when the communities can get together to drink and beat each other up? I think so.

There are only a few more weeks left until this years "real" Irish St. Patrick's Day festivities begin. If you don't already have a ticket, I suggest getting one soon!