St Patrick’s Day festivities to bring €90m tourism boost

The economy is set for a much-needed €90m tourism boost this weekend, as up to 200,000 overseas visitors join in the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Up to 300,000 people will pass through the nation’s airports over the weekend. In Dublin alone, St Patrick’s Day Festival organisers estimate 120,000 tourists will be among the half a million people lining the streets today.

The organisers of the Cork City parade estimate that 70,000 people will visit the city over the three-day holiday period.