St. Patrick was a 5th-century missionary to Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He became a legendary figure by the end of the 7th century and is considered a patron saint of Ireland.
Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as an enslaved person. He escaped but returned about 432 ce to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends grew up around him—for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Patrick’s feast day is commemorated on March 17 with both religious traditions such as church services and secular festivities such as parades. Known as St. Patrick’s Day, its fame and celebration in many countries around the world is a testament to Ireland’s long history of emigration.