In recent days, all St. Patrick's Day parades have been cancelled across the island of Ireland over fears the mass gatherings expected would contribute to the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
And while, many smaller events, workshops and shows will still go ahead, many parents are opting to keep their kids indoors for the foreseeable future. If that's you, here are some fun alternative ways to celebrate Paddy's Day at home with the kids.
Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner.
We Irish are famous for our one-pot wonders so why not whip out the slow cooker and simmer up a hearty beef stew. Or another classic is colcannon (mashed potato with kale or cabbage and butter) with a big lump of bacon on the side, yum!
Have a movie marathon.
Why not curl up on the couch and watch some old school classics like War of the Buttons, Into The West or The Secret of Kells? The Secret of Kells is an animated movie set in eighth-century Ireland once nominated for an Academy Award.
Bake Irish soda bread.
Never be stuck in the middle of a bread buying frenzy ever again by spending the afternoon baking your Grandma's Irish soda bread recipe. If she doesn't have one, this traditional fresh no-fuss recipe by the BBC Good Food is simple and delicious.
Get crafty!
Put a seasonal spin on arts and crafts by making a collection of St. Patrick's day themed masterpieces to brighten up the house. Finger paint shamrocks, make leprechaun hats from toilet paper holders or make some green playdough using flour, salt, water, vegetable oil and food colouring.
Have a parade.
The parade may be a no-show but who's to say you can't have your own? Invite friends and family around and pull out the silly hats, make some flags and let the kids parade around the house in dress-up and show off their marching skills up and down the garden.
Read Irish stories.
Us Irish appreciate storytelling mostly because we are good at it, so why not travel back in time with some of our epic myths and legends that have been passed down for many centuries. Favourite Irish folklore includes Finn MacCool, Oisín of Tír na n-Óg, Children of Lir and The Salmon of Knowledge.
Plant shamrock.
Giving the gift of a shamrock plant is an age-old tradition across many Irish homes on Paddy's Day. Why not start your own by planting some shamrock seed and see if you get a fourth leaf. The four-leafed clover is an uncommon variation of the three-leafed clover and is considered a symbol of good luck.
