Q 01/05

Which three-leaved plant is Saint Patrick said to have used to explain the Holy Trinity?

A) Heather

B) Shamrock

C) Bluebell

D) Foxglove

Answer · why

B) Shamrock

Legend holds that Patrick plucked the shamrock to illustrate three persons in one God. The three-leaved plant has been an emblem of Ireland ever since...

Q 02/05

Before green took over, which colour was linked to Saint Patrick through the Order of St Patrick?

A) Blue

B) Gold

C) Purple

D) Crimson

Answer · why

A) Blue

The Order of St Patrick, founded in 1783, adopted a shade now called St Patrick's blue. Green only took over later, through Irish nationalism.

Q 03/05

In which year did 17 March become an official public holiday in Ireland?

A) 1927

B) 1948

C) 1972

D) 1903

Answer · why

D) 1903

The Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903 made Saint Patrick's Day a public holiday. The same year saw Ireland's first parade for the feast.

Q 04/05

In which city was Ireland's first Saint Patrick's Day parade held?

A) Dublin

B) Cork

C) Waterford

D) Limerick

Answer · why

C) Waterford

Parades began among the Irish diaspora in North America and only reached the island in the 20th century, starting in Waterford.

Q 05/05

Light floods the inner chamber of Newgrange through its roof-box at sunrise on which day of the year?

A) The spring equinox

B) The summer solstice

C) The winter solstice

D) The autumn equinox

Answer · why

C) The winter solstice

The winter solstice, the year's shortest day: the Neolithic builders aligned the 19-metre passage so it lights the chamber, and places in the annual l...