Thousands turn out for St Patrick's Day parades

Up to 650,000 people turned out in Dublin today to celebrate St Patrick's Day.

Three thousand performers marched from Parnell Square through the city to St Patrick's Cathedral.

They included artists, puppets, dancers and marching bands from all around Ireland and across the globe.

Motorists are being reminded that diversions are still in place in the city and heavy traffic is expected as people make their way home.

The theme of the Cork parade was 'Ships to Shore'.

Cork's grand marshall - Lisa Cummins - recently became the first Irish person to swim the English channel and back.