There's more to St. Patrick's Day than wearing green and crawling from pub to pub. It's a time to celebrate the great contributions that Ireland has given the world. I present to you my favorite things that originated from the Emerald Isle...



Daniel Day Lewis
I saw this recent Oscar winner in real life about four years ago when he walked into a New York restaurant where I used to work. He was unrecognizable because he looked like this. I only realized it was him when he signed his name on his credit card slip (with his left foot...Zing!).

Bravo, Mr. Day Lewis. You are not only a thespian, you are a chameleon.

Honorable mention: Jonathan Rhys Meyers


U2
I know, I know. Who didn't see this one coming? Bono and the boys brought us the songs that played at our school dances ("With or Without You," "Mysterious Ways," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For") as well as the music that raised our political awareness ("Sunday Bloody Sunday," "Pride"). They continue to stay relevant with such projects as U23D and Bono's PRODUCT(RED).

Honorable mention: The Cranberries, The Frames, The Corrs



James Joyce's Dubliners
American high schools include this classic collection of stories on its short list of must reads. Cleanly written, powerful, and insightful, it introduced the literary world to the epiphanies of the Irish working class.

Ulysses was a strong contender, but—let's face it—who among us has managed to finish that book?

Honorable mention: James Joyce's Ulysses



Guinness
The last time I consumed Guinness was when I ate a St. Patrick's Day cake filled with homemade Guinness ice cream and topped with a Bailey's-infused icing.

Most delicious St. Patrick's Day ever!

Honorable mention: Bailey's Irish Cream



Riverdance
Whither Michael Flatley?

Honorable mention: No other dance form compares to Riverdance.



Find the Clover
What better St. Pat's greeting than a free, interactive card? Send your friends and family this lucky eCard, or choose from a selection at our sister site My Fun Cards.

Honorable mention: Kiss Me, St. Pat's Stupor, Everyone's Irish