The four nations at a glance
| Nation | Patron saint | Saint's day | Flower | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | St George | 23 April | Rose | London |
| Scotland | St Andrew | 30 November | Thistle | Edinburgh |
| Wales | St David | 1 March | Daffodil | Cardiff |
| Northern Ireland | St Patrick | 17 March | Shamrock | Belfast |
Which saint's days are public holidays?
St Andrew's Day is a public holiday in Scotland, and St Patrick's Day is a public holiday in Northern Ireland. St George's Day and St David's Day are not public holidays.
The crosses on the Union Flag
- St George (England): a red cross on a white background.
- St Andrew (Scotland): a diagonal white cross on a blue background.
- St Patrick (Ireland): a diagonal red cross on a white background.
Wales is not on the Union Flag, because it was already united with England when the first Union Flag was made in 1606. The official flag of Wales shows the Welsh dragon.
A way to remember the dates
Go through the year in order: St David on 1 March, St Patrick on 17 March, St George on 23 April and St Andrew on 30 November. Wales and Northern Ireland are both in March, with Wales first.
Common questions
Who is the patron saint of Wales?
St David. St David's Day is on 1 March.
What flower is associated with Scotland?
The thistle.
Is St Patrick's Day a public holiday?
Yes, in Northern Ireland.