American St. Patrick’s Day traditions that aren't Irish at all

Every March 17 in the US, millions of Americans celebrate St Patrick’s Day with traditions that have very little to do with Ireland or Irish culture.

We're taking a look at what the Saint Patrick's Day traditions are and sorting them out as either Irish or American. 

We've already covered the reason why corned beef and cabbage is an American construct, how St. Patrick's Day parades too were an American invention, and how even having a drink on March 17 originated in the US, but there are still plenty more "Irish traditions" that are simply painted green over red, white and blue. 

Here’s a list of St. Patrick's Day traditions you’ll find only in America:

“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”

This beloved tune, which many people believe to be a traditional Irish folk song, was actually written and composed by a trio of American songwriters from New York. "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," which has been recorded by the great Irish tenor John McCormack, crooner Bing Crosby, and many others, was originally created for a short-lived 1913 Broadway show called "The Isle O’Dreams.'

Killian’s Irish Red

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Want to celebrate the day with a few Irish pints? Don’t be fooled into thinking this ale is imported from Ireland. The beer is brewed exclusively in America and is made in Colorado. Coors purchased the name in 1980.

Shamrock Shake

Shamrock Shake

Shamrock Shakes, McDonald’s artificially green, mint-flavored drink, first appeared in the US in 1970 and has been a cult hit every St Patrick’s Day since. The limited-time-only menu item only became available nationally in 2012 (until then, it was left up to local operators whether to offer the shake). 

“St Patty’s Day”

We live in hope that in the future, there will no longer be a need to share this important Public Service Announcement. As the main gateway to Ireland, we absolutely love that people celebrate #StPatricksDay all over the world. But please, get the name right. #PaddyNotPatty. pic.twitter.com/XBvv6EVzSV

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) March 17, 2021

Don't make this common American mistake and call the holiday "St Patty's Day." In Ireland, “Patty” is short for Patricia, not Patrick. Pádraig is the true Irish spelling of Patrick, and the correct way to shorten it is “Paddy.”

Irish Car Bomb

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In American bars, an “Irish car bomb” is a shot of Irish whiskey and Irish cream dropped into a half-filled glass of Guinness. The provocative name, suggestive of the car bombs that were used during the Troubles of Northern Ireland, when thousands were killed, would never be used in Ireland.

Lucky Charms

Lucky Charms

Despite its leprechaun mascot, you won’t find this “magically delicious” cereal on any Irish breakfast table. Lucky Charms, which first appeared in 1964, is made by Minneapolis-based food giant General Mills.

"Sexy" Female Leprechauns

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The “sexy lady leprechaun” has become a popular St Patrick’s Day costume in recent years. However, according to Carolyn White, author of "A History of Irish Fairies", there is no record of female leprechauns in Irish lore. And by the way, leprechauns traditionally wore red, not green.

Green Beer

Green beer. (Getty Images)

Green beer is very much an Irish American invention. Dr. Thomas Hayes Curtin invented the concept of green beer for St. Patrick's Day in New York City over a century ago!

H/T: Time.com

*Originally published in March 2015. Updated in March 2024.