Everyone loves a bit of St Patrick's Day frivolity and to join in the fun we have compiled a wee-list of wise and wonderful words in honour of some of our favourite Irish authors.  So after you have threaded four-leaf clovers through your hair on Saturday recline with a pint of Guinness, let your lamb stew simmer, pop on some country & Irish music and enjoy!

“Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.”  William Butler Yeats

“I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.” Oscar Wilde

“I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today. I am today what I established yesterday or some previous day.” James Joyce

“We're nothing if we're not loved. When you meet somebody who is more important to you than yourself, that has to be the most important thing in life, really.” Maeve Binchy

“It is not the literal past, the 'facts' of history, that shape us, but images of the past embodied in language.” Brian Friel

“A house cannot be made habitable in a day; and, after all, how few days go to make up a century.” Bram Stoker

“And, of course, they've always condemned dancing. You know, you might touch a member of the opposite sex. And you might get excited and you might do something natural.” Frank McCourt

“Whether it be a matter of personal relations within a marriage or political initiatives within a peace process, there is no sure-fire do-it-yourself kit.” Seamus Heaney

“Writers really live in the mind and in hotels of the soul.” Edna O’Brien

“All your youth you want to have your greatness taken for granted; when you find it taken for granted, you are unnerved.” Elizabeth Bowen

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” Samuel Beckett

And we’ll end with a good old fashioned Irish blessing:

“May the Good Lord take a liking to you... but not too soon!”

Who is your favourite Irish author – have we missed them out?  Let us know in the comments below and we’ll try to find you your very own St Paddy’s day quote.