Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, wasn't actually Irish.  He was born around 373 A.D. in either Scotland, near the town of Dumbarton, or in Roman Britain.  Little is known about St. Patrick, including his date of birth or death.  March 17 is traditionally considered to be one of the two, although no corroborating documentation exists.  His real name is believed to be Maewyn Succat.  He adopted the name of Patrick, or Patricus, after he became a priest.

At 16 he was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland.  During his 6 year captivity, he began to have religious visions and found strength in his faith.  He finally escaped and went to France, where he became a priest, and later, a bishop.   He returned  to Ireland later in life as a missionary.