St. Patrick's Day History and Celebrations

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Houston
Image by Sarah Worthy

St. Patrick's Day, which was originally a Catholic holiday, is now a recognized all over the world as a celebration of Irish Culture.

Counties of Northern Ireland

Parliament Building, Stormont, Northern Ireland
Image by Ross

Northern Ireland was divided into 26 districts, or councils, for local government purposes by the Local Government (Northern Ireland) Act 1972. The councils of the 26 districts are known as either district councils, borough councils, city councils, or and city and district councils.

These 26 districts replaced the six counties and two county boroughs that had been created by the Local Government Act 1898. These six counties and two county boroughs are still used for purposes such as Lieutenancy.

Countries in the United Kingdom (UK)

Map of the UK
Image by nearby.org.uk

The UK consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. More formally, these four countries form the sovereign state known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which itself is also described as a country.