St Patrick’s steps to be retraced in Skerries

SKERRIES natives will be celebrating their unique history with our patron saint by retracing his steps from 1,500 years ago.

Probably unknown to many, St Patrick folklore is at the heart of the picturesque town’s history.

Traditional folklore tells the story of St Patrick and his missing goat sensationally stolen from him by locals and our patron saint retaliating by leaving a permanent mark on the town.

Hugh Fitzgerald Ryan, Skerries novelist and local St Patrick expert, said:

“When St Patrick arrived in Skerries many years ago, he set about converting the local people.

“However, while on a visit to the mainland, some locals seized an opportunity to take his goat. The legend of St Patrick and his missing goat still exists today as folklore tells us that in anger St Patrick made two giant strides to the mainland to confront the locals only to find they could only bleat like goats until they told the truth.

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Mr Fitzgerald added:

“To this day, St Patrick’s footprint, where he stepped on to the south side of Red Island, can be seen.

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Sarah Keane, from Fingal Tourism, said Skerries will come to life with a parade, while

‘St Patrick’ will also arrive in the town 21st century style via helicopter.

“With all the activities free of charge, St Patrick’s Day in Skerries is a value for money day out that the whole family will enjoy,

? she said.

For more information, visit www.visitskerries.ie or follow www.facebook/visitSkerries