Dublin leads the world with spectacular St Patrick’s Day parade

Hundreds of thousands of people with Irish roots and without, took to streets, plazas and thoroughfares around the world today to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. And, although the wearing of the green in many different shades was a spectacle everywhere it was displayed, the pinnacle of all parades was in Dublin’s O’Connell Street.

Crowds enjoy the St Patrick’s day parade as it makes its way down O’Connell Street in Dublin. Image by Brian lawless/PA Wire.

An estimated 487,000 people – half the population of the city -lined the capital’s premier street 20-deep as a veritable league of nations marched proudly under their country and club banners.

Spectators at the St Patrick’s day parade in O’Connell Street, Dublin. Image by Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Grand Marshall, comedian Brendan O’Carroll led some 3000 participants in the parade which began at Parnell Square and finished at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

St Patrick’s day parade, O’Connell Street, Dublin. Image by Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

The earliest parade in Ireland began at 6am in Dingle, Co Kerry, in accordance with tradition. During the Land War of the 1880s marching was banned between sunrise and sunset.

The Dublin St Patrick’s day parade, as it makes its way down O’Connell Street towards St Patrick’s Cathedral. Image by Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The St Patrick’s Festival activities continued well into the evening in Dublin and around the country with celebrations of culture, theatre and music – sometimes washed down with a pint or two of Guinness.

Young onlooker finds a good vantage point at the St Patrick’s day parade in Dublin. Image by Brian Lawless/PA Wire.