Organisers estimate 500,000 at Dublin parade

Organisers of this year's St. Patrick's day parade in Dublin City Centre are describing the event as a "huge success".

They estimate that more than half a million people turned out for the science-themed event.

This year's festival was inspired by the How, What and Why of Science in celebration of Dublin's status as the City of Science 2012.

It brought together pagaentry and science, performers and spectacle on its 2.5 kilometre trail through the heart of the city.

Republic of Ireland football legend Johnny Giles may have had second thoughts about his choice of transport as the skies opened up when the parade's Grand Marshall lead out the celebrations in an open-top vintage car.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague fared better as he waved to the crowds from a horse drawn carriage.

However, the downpour failed to wash away the sea of green that came out for this year's parade.

As well as lifting the nation's spirit, this year's festival is expected to give the local economy a much needed €50m boost.