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Illustration of Saint Patrick banning the snakes from Ireland  © The patron saint of Ireland, whose saint's day is celebrated annually on 17 March. He is traditionally associated with the shamrock, a type of clover.

Patrick's exact birthplace is unknown, but was probably in England or Wales. When he was 16, Patrick was captured by Irish pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland, where he worked as a herdsman. In a dream, he heard voices that told him to escape, so after six years in captivity he fled, possibly back to his home. He was ordained as a priest and returned to Ireland where he played a major part in converting the country to Christianity.

Sometime after 431 AD, Patrick was appointed as successor to St Palladius, the first bishop of Ireland. Patrick established his headquarters at Armagh.

Towards the end of his life, Patrick wrote about his life and work in his 'Confession'.