Potted history, quirky facts, sayings, hints and tips about Ireland's celebration and the saint it commemorates.

The Little Book of St Patrick's Day tells the story of St Patrick and how the holiday began, shares the craic with a collection of sayings and describes how the festival is marked around the world (and in outer space).

Separate the myths from the facts, find out how to celebrate at home and be dazzled by quirky facts and stats. Why is the shamrock the symbol of the day, did St Patrick really drive snakes out of Ireland and what should you eat and drink on March 17th? Find out in this pocket-sized guide to this Irish celebration that has enchanted people of all backgrounds across the globe.

'For the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o' March!' The Irish-American poet Thomas Augustine Daly, as seen on Bustle.com.