As St. Patrick's Day approaches, here are some traditional Irish toasts to get you in the mood of the holiday and to impress your friends.

• "Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!" (Happy St. Patrick's Day)
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• "May the Lord keep you in His hand and never close His fist too tight."
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• Saint Patrick was a gentleman,
  Who through strategy and stealth,
  Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
  Here's a toasting to his health.
  But not too many toastings
  Lest you lose yourself and then
  Forget the good Saint Patrick
  And see all those snakes again.
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• "May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and heaven accept you."
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• "May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door."

For more Irish toasts, for all occasions, see the Ireland Tourist Board Web site.

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