St Patrick's Day 2009

We could all do with an excuse for celebrating at this time of year, so thank goodness - and Guinness - for St Patrick.

One of the only national holidays to be celebrated outside it's homeland, St Paddy's Day means parades, parties and festivals across much of the world.

The Emerald Isle's patron saint was taken to Ireland as a slave when a teenager and escaped after six years. He became a Christian priest then Bishop and later returned to Ireland as a missionary.

St Patrick is credited with playing a major role in converting the Irish to Christianity and is associated with the shamrock, which he used to explain the Trinity.

For those looking for craic and a pint of the black stuff, there will be a six-day St Patrick's Festival in Dublin, from March 12 until March 17. The Guinness Storehouse will mark 250 years of brewing at St James's Gate in Dublin with a global celebration featuring over 250 entertainers on March 17.

Belfast will celebrate with a carnival and concert, headlined by X-Factor finalist Eoghan Quigg, on Tuesday March 17. The annual London St Patrick's Parade and Festival will take place on Sunday March 15.

Further afield, the most Irish city outside of Ireland will hold its annual parade on Sunday March 15. Boston, USA, organised the first ever St Patrick's Day celebration in America in 1737 and it has grown ever since.

On Saturday March 14, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers will dye the Chicago River bright green in honour of St Pat and the annual parade.

One of the world's most famous beer-lovers, Homer Simpson, will make history this St Patrick's Day. For the first time in the show's 20-year life, an episode of The Simpsons will be transmitted in Ireland ahead of the US. In the Name of the Grandfather follows Homer and Grandpa's journey to the village of Dunkilderry for a final beer.

If you're planning on flying in on Saturday March 14 and painting the town green, take a look at our fantastic prices for Hilton airport hotels.

A room at the luxury 4-star Dublin Hilton Hotel from £113.21 or a room at the cool, contemporary and convenient 4-star Heathrow Hilton Hotel from £113.85*

*Please note: These prices are correct for bookings searched on March 2, 2009. Prices are subject to change. Book in advance to get the best price and availability.