This Friday, 17th March, sees the arrival of St Patrick's Day. St Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland and so St Patrick's Day is a national holiday. The majority of businesses and schools will close for the day to celebrate & so therefore there are no deliveries on this day. Our Co. Down headquarters will still be operational however & deliveries to the UK and Europe are unaffected.St Patrick's Day is celebrated in many countries worldwide, as the descendants of Irish immigrants are located all around the globe. I love to see all the famous landmarks "going green" to celebrate. As well as marking the arrival of Christianity to Ireland, it's also a celebration of Irish Culture and Heritage.

People tend to celebrate the day by dressing up in green clothing or fancy dress, perhaps painting their faces. Food and drink is always a big part of the day along with events, dancing and parades etc. My niece, Annabel, is dancing in a show on Friday and so we can't wait to see her.

We've noticed quite a few orders for Irish Food Hampers for delivery to Europe, especially on our sister site Irish Gourmet. You are spoilt with choice really, as the majority of our food items are sourced from around Ireland. We do, however, have a hamper especially for the occasion. Can you guess what it is called?

St Patrick's Day Hamper St Patrick's Day Hamper We've also been pricing a "Black Velvet" Cocktail Hamper for a Company, which involves Champagne & Guinness - interesting & potentially lethal! Deliveries to Europe, as well as Ireland and the UK, go on the express service & so you still have time to order. Just remember any St Patrick's Day hampers to Ireland will need to arrive the day before, due to it being a holiday.