Have you ever tasted green beer? Some people like to drink it on Saint Patrick’s Day, but since I’m allergic to beer, I’ve never tried it.
I loved going to Ireland for the first time in 2015. My daughter and I visited County Clare where my grandmother on my dad’s side of the family came from. We were able to meet descendants of my Baylee, now spelled Bailey, in Kilkishen and Quin.
Spending
Americans plan to spend a record $5.9 billion to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day this year, according to a survey prepared for the National Retail Federation. That’s the highest level in the survey’s 14-year history, up from last year’s previous record of $5.3 billion.
The survey found over 149 million U.S. adults plan to celebrate the March 17 Irish holiday, up from last year’s approximate 139 million. Consumers are expected to spend an average of $39.65 per person, up from last year’s previous record of $37.92.
The holiday is most popular among individuals 18-24 years old, with 77 percent celebrating, but those 35-44 will be the biggest spenders with an average of $45.76.
According to the survey, 83 percent of those celebrating will wear green, 31 percent plan to make a special dinner, and 27 percent will head to a party at a bar or restaurant. Twenty-seven percent will also decorate their homes or offices in an Irish theme and 16 percent will attend a private party. In addition, 15 percent plan to attend a Saint Patrick’s Day parade and 9 percent will host a party.
Facts and figures
Here are facts and figures about Ireland from the U.S. Census Bureau.
32.3 million or 10%
The number and percentage of U.S. residents who claimed Irish ancestry in 2016.
125,840
The number of foreign-born U.S. residents who reported Ireland as their birthplace in 2016.
I don’t know about green beer. But as I admitted in my recent post, I did have a green Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s this year.
Hi Tom,
A green Shamrock Shake sounds much better than green beer. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day.
Rita