Being part of an Irish Family, March 17th has always been a day circled on my calendar. Growing up, my mom would cover the house in shamrocks and leprechauns, cook green pancakes for breakfast, and of course, serve corned beef and cabbage for dinner. It’s a day I take pride in my freckle-covered skin and enjoy a Guinness or two as I celebrate St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland… and the Patron Saint of Engineers?

Yes, that’s right. Our beloved Irish Icon is believed to have brought Christianity to Ireland and modernized building techniques. Before St. Patrick’s arrival, the Irish built their stone structures of dry masonry by stacking flat stones in an overlapping manner to gradually enclose a wall.

St. Patrick is said to have introduced the use of lime mortar and the concept of arches to Irish Builders as he built hundreds of Churches around Ireland. The pioneering technique helped improve the strength and aesthetics of the structures. St. Patrick’s influence on building techniques can still be seen throughout Ireland today.

So, this March 17th, wear your green, enjoy a pint and have a Happy Patron Saint of Engineers Day!