This Movie Is the Reason I Celebrate St Patrick’s Day And Love All Things Irish
Digital Content Manager | Pop Culture Nerd | Cosplay & Musical Theatre Enthusiast
Vanessa is a Sydney-based content specialist who is passionate about all things pop culture. When she isn't creating content or cosplaying, you can find her rehearsing for the next musical she's in.
No, it’s not Once. Nor is it P.S I Love You or The Wind That Shakes the Barley. An obscure TV movie from 1999 (that feels like a fever dream) starring Randy Quaid, Whoopie Goldberg and Keiran Culkin is the sole reason for my Irish-obsession. It’s called: The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns.
Image source: IMDb.com
From the sweeping green landscapes, to the people and their culture. It was this movie that made me fall in love with Ireland. It’s the reason I learned Irish dancing, that one of my favourite bands of all time is The Corrs (love that Irish violin) and also why my favourite colour is green.
It’s also the reason that I, a person without any Irish blood, loves and celebrates St Patrick’s Day each year.
Here’s the preview…it’s very old. Special effects have certainly come a long way since.
A retelling of the classic Shakespearian play “Romeo & Juliet”, this movie is set in Ireland and revolves around an age-long feud between Fairies and Leprechauns (with the involvement of some local humans). Of course, like Romeo and Juliet, there are themes of forbidden love and tragedy with a dash of comedy.
My tips for a grand St Patrick’s Day
Image source: TheMovieDB.com
1. [Sham]Rock your St Pat’s look
Taking inspiration from my favourite Irish foursomeabove, I just have to deck myself out in greens and tartan print. Usually, I opt for a green tartan skirt with a white button up top and green vest over the top. You can also go full-Leprechaun or decorate yourself in Shamrocks with any of our costumes online too!
2. Curly Hair, Don’t Care
You can choose to wear a curled orange wig or faux ponytail, or even go all-naturale like I do and curl your own hair in tight ringlets. Use rollers in your hair overnight or a thin curling iron to achieve the right look on your natural hair.
Did you know: even if you’re Irish-born with natural ringlets, you still have to wear a wig when competing in Irish dancing competitions?
Image source: ElevationDesign.ie
3. Makeup Musts for St Pat’s
Go green for your eyeshadow to match your St Patrick’s Day costume, or give it a bit of contrast with some orange instead. For those more proficient in makeup, try a blend of smokey green with a highlight of orange and then add some sparkle to achieve a look like this below (found here)!
Image source: LooksLikeCandy.com
Whack on a hat, some temporary Shamrock tattoos or Irish flags on your cheeks, arms or chest, then grab some Irish flags to wave around and you’re ready to party with the Irish. This scene from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire always comes to mind:
Image source: FanPop.com
4. Where to celebrate.
Pre-covid, one of my favourite places to go in Sydney was the Mercantile Hotel in The Rocks. A loud, rowdy, Irish pub that plays pub songs all night with a live band. Perfectly Irish. Around Sydney city, there are a number of fantastic venues that offer a space to celebrate this occasion.
I hope you have a craic-ing St Pat’s this year! I’ll be heading down to my local Irish pub and then watching The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns for the millionth time.
