Capital kicks off weekend St Paddy's Day celebrations in style

One of the few Irish St Patrick’s Day celebrations that matches the splendour of those in America, a mix of paint, performances, pageantry, parades and parties, promises to make this year’s Dublin festival one of the most spectacular ever.

From Dublin Castle to Christ Church to Áras an Uachtaráin — and most buildings in between — there was only one colour evident last night with several of the city’s most iconic structures taking on an emerald hue. Even part of St Stephen’s Green was green.

Festival celebrations began in style as the GPO was illuminated to mark the beginning of the four-day St Patrick’s Festival. Other events included an outdoor céilí and the opening of the Irish craft beer and food market at the IFSC.