St Patrick’s Day is a celebration of everything Irish, from the explosive emerald color synonymous with the island to the rich Celtic traditions to…well, drinking! But anyone with any Irish heritage knows that the culture is much more than booze and clovers–and these St Patrick’s Day trivia questions and answers will help you test your knowledge!
If you consider yourself a mere novice to the world of Irish culture, don’t fear. This St Patrick’s Day trivia will help you explore everything you need to know about the boisterous holiday, from its roots in the Catholic Church to its ongoing significance today.
Have you ever wondered where the four-leaf clover comes from (and whether it exists)? Do you know when the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in the United States? Are you curious about whether they even celebrate the holiday in Ireland? Now’s your chance to find out!
Once you’re done with this St. Patrick’s Day trivia quiz, try out these quizzes on Thanksgiving trivia, 4th of July trivia, and Easter quiz trivia.
What is the name of a traditional wooden Irish boat?
Dory
Currach
Skiff
Kayak
What U.S. president was the first Irish Catholic to be elected to the office?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
John F. Kennedy
Richard Nixon
Ronald Reagan
One notable Celtic knot is the “shield knot,” which takes what shape?
Square
Triangle
Circle
Hexagon
Many Irish people go on a mountain pilgrimage to honor Saint Patrick in what month?
October
December
August
May
What sort of object is the Clog Phadraig, held at the National Museum of Ireland?
Candle
Bell
Cart
Book
What is the name of the Irish dish consisting of mashed potatoes mixed with scallions, milk, and butter?
Champ
Slainte
Farls
Shepherd’s Pie
What is a classic Irish dish pulled together from sausages, potatoes, and leftovers?
Comber Earlies
Rashers
Coddle
Blaa
The superstructures of buildings in Ireland often contain the concealed skulls of what animals?
Horses
Sheep
Dogs
Cows
Which Irish Saint’s holiday usually involves drinking?
Paul
Patrick
Peter
Valentine
According to an old Irish folk song, who sold “cockles and mussels” on the streets of Dublin?
Molly Malone
Agnes Clerke
Peg Plunkett
Maria Edgeworth
Boxty, are Irish pancakes made from what vegetable?
Carrot
Potato
Lettuce
Squash
Why was the shamrock considered a sacred plant in ancient times?
It was used as a medicinal herb by ancient healers.
The Druids revered it for its three-leafed shape, symbolizing the triad.
It was believed to bring luck to warriors in battle.
It was the favorite plant of Irish royalty for its beauty
What was St. Patrick’s real name before he adopted the name Patrick?
Brendan O’Reilly
Maewyn Succat
Sean Fitzpatrick
Connor MacLeod
What was the Viking name for Ireland’s capital city of Dublin?
Hibernia
Dyflin
Eireville
Norðrseta
The Irish phrase “Cead mile failte” is used for what purpose?
Thanking
Leaving
Apologizing
Welcoming
What city has dyed its river green every single year since 1962?
Milan
London
Miami
Chicago
The ancient Irish fermented honey to make what alcoholic beverage?
Ale
Gin
Mead
Zima
Traditional Irish cottage pie is made using what meat?
Beef
Buffalo
Ostrich
Squirrel
What Celtic concept refers to a close “soul friend”?
Bearlachas
Erin go bragh
Anam Cara
Failte
Guinness is what sort of beer that’s been brewed in Ireland for centuries?
Bitter
Lager
Stout
Porter
The first known Saint Patrick’s Day parade was held in what year?
1566
1966
1366
1766
What kind of clothing is the Irish caubeen?
Belt
Coat
Hat
Shoe
What type of meat would you use for Irish stew?
Beef
Pork
Veal
Lamb
Irish tradition says that a cat-sith will bless any house that leaves what treat out on Samhain?
Cookies
Milk
Mice
Fish
Deirfiur is the Irish word for what relative?
Father
Brother
Mother
Sister
The doughy bread bun blaa is most associated with what Irish city?
Cork
Dublin
Limerick
Waterford
You can do better
Not bad
Great!
