Saint Patrick's Day sees cities around the world lighting up, waving the Irish flag, going green and celebrating the best of Irish.

Whether you have Irish ancestry or just want to jump on the bandwagon and join the party, why not try these Saint Patrick's Day greetings - the Irish way!

The word 'sláinte' will be one of the most popular words heard this March 17th, from pubs to restaurants to homes, as revellers raise a glass to Ireland. If you want to really impress family or friends, pronounce it properly - 'slahn-cha' and know the meaning which is 'good health'. It can be used in many different ways and contexts, but it's most commonly used as a toast before raising a glass.

Whether that glass is full of Guinness, whiskey or water, the tradition is to offer a 'sláinte' before taking a sip. Do it with a flourish!

“Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!” is the way to wish someone a Happy Saint Patrick's Day in the Irish language and if you're greeting a group, simply change the word "duit" to "daoibh", which also means "to you," but the plural greeting is “Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh.”

Many Irish greetings originate from blessings and an even warmer way of wishing somebody a Happy Saint Patrick's Day is  'Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig dhuit!' This translates as 'Saint Patrick's Day blessings to you!'.

You might get some strange glances from those not in the know if you ask them to go and 'wet the shamrock', but this is just an old Irish saying to go for a drink, particularly on Saint Patrick's Day.  

So if you want to invite someone to join you for a drink or to celebrate with you, asking them "Cá mbeidh tú ag fliúchadh na seamróige?" will pose the question "where will you be wetting the shamrock"?

Happy Saint Patrick's Day 2023.