St Patrick's Day is a public holiday in Ireland, but Ireland is a sovereign state and not part of the UK. Don't know what happens in N Ireland. Neither St David's Day (1st March) nor St Andrew's Day (30th November) are public holidays in either country and any celebrations are muted. Burns Night (25th January) is celebrated through Burns' Suppers but not with a holiday - although there may be some days off through hangovers on the 26th.... If the English want to celebrate their national day, that's fine, but a public holiday is a step too far. I'd be up for a Shakespeare Supper on April 23rd!!
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