Over a million visitors expected for Dublin parade

It is estimated that over a million visitors will be in Dublin later today to enjoy the St Patrick’s Day Festivities.

Around €50m could be made for the local economy at the end of the five day event.

This year’s St Patrick’s Festival officially opened on Wednesday night with an acrobatic display in the Smithfield area of Dublin.

The parade will begin today on Parnell Square at 12pm ending up in Merrion Square.

About one thousand gardaí will be on duty on the streets while the Government has asked off-licences and pubs to remain closed until 4pm this afternoon in Dublin.

Pub owners around the country are also being asked to ensure that people do not bring alcohol onto the streets with them.

They hope this may avoid the drunken scenes of previous years.

The holiday is being marked all over the world today, notably in New York, Sydney and Singapore who will hold huge parades.