St Patrick's Day quiz questions to test your Irish knowledge

St Patrick's Day on 17th March sees the world go green, with parades, pub sessions, and plenty of Guinness. Whether you're putting together a quiz for the big day or just want to test your own knowledge, here are eight questions covering the saint himself, Irish traditions, and a few general Ireland teasers.

The questions

1According to legend, St Patrick drove what out of Ireland?

Answer:Snakes(click to reveal)

Ireland has never actually had snakes. The island was separated from mainland Europe around 10,000 years ago, before snakes could migrate north after the Ice Age. The story is more likely a metaphor for driving out paganism.

2Which American city famously dyes its river green every St Patrick's Day?

Answer:Chicago(click to reveal)

The tradition started in 1962, when plumbers used green dye to detect sewage leaks and someone had the bright idea of scaling it up. These days they use an environmentally friendly vegetable-based dye to turn the Chicago River a vivid green each March.

3The shamrock is associated with St Patrick because he supposedly used it to explain what Christian concept to the Irish?

Answer:The Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit as three-in-one)(click to reveal)

The three leaves representing three persons in one God made for a handy visual aid. Whether this actually happened is debated, but the story is central to Irish identity.

4In Irish folklore, what would you find at the end of a rainbow?

Answer:A pot of gold(click to reveal)

Guarded by a leprechaun, of course. The legend says the little fellow hides his pot of gold at the rainbow's end, and if you catch him he has to tell you where it is. Good luck with that.

5Who is the current President of Ireland?

Answer:Catherine Connolly(click to reveal)

She took office in November 2025 after winning the presidential election with 63% of first preference votes, replacing Michael D. Higgins. She's the country's third female president.

6Which famous Irish author, born in Dublin in 1882, wrote "Ulysses" and "Dubliners"?

Answer:James Joyce(click to reveal)

Ulysses is set entirely in Dublin over the course of a single day (16 June 1904), and the city still celebrates "Bloomsday" on that date every year. Joyce spent most of his adult life abroad but Dublin never left his writing.

7What's the name of Dublin's famous cobblestoned cultural quarter, known for its pubs and nightlife?

Answer:Temple Bar(click to reveal)

Tucked between Dame Street and the River Liffey, Temple Bar is one of the most visited spots in Dublin. Locals tend to avoid it on weekend nights (the prices are steep), but it's a must-see for tourists.

8Who is Ireland's all-time leading points scorer in international rugby?

Answer:Jonathan Sexton(click to reveal)

He overtook Ronan O'Gara's record during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. O'Gara held the record for over a decade with 557 Six Nations points alone, but Sexton edged past him across all test matches.

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Sláinte! These questions work nicely alongside a music round of Irish songs or a picture round of famous Irish landmarks. If you need more rounds, try our quiz creator to build a full quiz in minutes.