Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 17, 2018 is St. Patrick's Day. Officially, the holiday is the observance of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, though in recent years it has turned into a celebration of Ireland and Irish culture in general.

St. Patrick was born in Britain but kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at age 16. He later escaped and returned to Ireland to spread Christianity to its people in the 5th Century. Legend holds it that Patrick died on March 17, 461.

Today, St. Patrick's Day is marked by parades, parties and a celebration of all things green, in honor of shamrocks, the three-leaved plant used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity.

Restaurants, bars join in St. Patrick's Day fun

There are plenty of ways you can enjoy discounts, freebies and special offers this St. Patrick's Day. Here are some of the best offers and, as always, check with your local store to make sure they are participating:

Enjoy a small mint chocolate shake for a limited time. The mint chocolate shake is topped with Andes candy pieces.

Bar Louie is hosting an all-day St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 17 with green beer and whiskey shots will be on tap.

Stop by participating stores for a sample of the Mint Chip 'n Oreo Cookies Milkshake from March 17 from 3-7 p.m.

Enjoy green bagels at Bruegger's through March 17. The chain is offering $2 off a big bagel bundle with this offer.

Get the Lucky Jameson (an Irish spin on a margarita, made with Jameson whiskey) for $5 through the month of March.

The chain is offering corned beef and cabbage dinner for $9.99 through March 17.

Mint Oreo Blizzard is the flavor of the month at Dairy Queen.

Enjoy green-frosted Mint Brownie Donuts for St. Patrick's Day. Those who celebrate with Dunkin and use the hashtags #DDLuckyDozen and #Sweepstakes on social media will have the chance to be one of 12 winners of a year's supply of doughnuts. One grand prize winner will receive a trip to the chain's headquarters and get to create their own doughnuts in the test kitchen.

Edible Arrangements has St. Patrick's Day arrangements, including a box of chocolate-dipped strawberries drizzled with green chocolate.

Enjoy a shamrock box or an Irish stout cupcake through March 17.

Krispy Kreme is offering its original glazed donut with green glaze.

McDonald's is offering its Green Shamrock Shake for a limited time at participating locations.

March 17 is also National Corndog Day and Sonic will offer 99 cent corndogs all day long.

TGI Fridays is offering Pot 'O Gold Jameson Irish Mule, rainbow shots, and more through March 18.

Offers.com has some more St. Patrick's Day discounts from retailers:

Claire's - St. Patrick's Day accessories are 50 percent off. The sale is online only and includes St. Patrick's Day earrings, crowns, beads, scarves, false nails and more.

Blarney.com - Shamrock jewelry is 20 percent off. The sale includes pendants, necklaces, earrings, pocket watches and more.

Gourmet Gift Baskets - Get 10 percent off St. Patrick's Day gift baskets plus free shipping with coupon code GREEN.

Groupon Getaways - Through March 23, get 30 percent off an 8-day vacation package to Ireland. The package includes round-trip airfare from several major U.S. cities, accommodations and car rental. Various departure-date options are available for the spring and fall.

Guinness - Engraved and monogrammed glassware are 20 percent off at the Guinness Webstore.

Hot Topic - St. Patrick's Day merchandise is discounted up to 20 percent off. The sale includes clothing, accessories and green hair dye.

Oriental Trading - St. Patrick's Day items are up to 50 percent off. the sale includes hats, accessories, party supplies and decorations.

Party City - Get select St. Patrick's Day accessories and party supplies for $1 or less. Save even more on your next purchase by signing up for the Party City email list.

Perfect Memorials - Get 10 percent off with the St. Patrick's Day Sale through March 17 by using promo code SPD18. The sale includes commemorative jewelry, urns, ornaments and more featuring Irish and Celtic symbology.

Pier One Imports - St. Patrick's Day seasonal gifts are 20 percent off through March 15. The sale includes decorative plates, wreaths, leprechaun figurines and shamrock towels.

Spencer's - Buy one, get one 50 percent off on St. Patrick's Day tees, tanks and accessories. Sale runs until March 18.