In pictures: St Patrick's Day parades return across the country

American-Irish actor John C. Reilly takes part in the St Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, which has returned in full. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

After disappearing for the last two years due to Covid-19, the country has finally been able to celebrate St Patrick's Day. 

Parades awash with green took place across Ireland on Thursday after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

In March 2020, swathes of St Patrick’s Day plans were cancelled with the onset of the global pandemic, with parades axed across the country. 

Yesterday was a different story as thousands lined the streets to enjoy the parades.

Here is a snapshot of the celebrations across the island.

Colourful performers in the Cork St Patrick's Day Parade. Picture: Larry Cummins.

Tanya, Monika and Sofia Zubac with (right) Livia Groza attending the Cork St Patrick's Day Parade. Picture: Larry Cummins.

Iuliia Iakovenao from Together Razem at the St Patrick's Day parade in Cork. Picture: Alison Miles /OSM PHOTO

The parade in Cork in full swing. Picture: Alison Miles /OSM PHOTO

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Colm Kelleher at today's parade. Picture: Alison Miles /OSM PHOTO

The Girl Guides with leader Gretta Hickey at the St. Patrick's Day parade in Mallow, Co Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

Grand Marshals for the Dublin parade - Paralympic gold medal swimmer Ellen Keane (left) and Olympic gold medal boxer Kellie Harrington. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

President Michael D Higgins watches the Dublin parade. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Actor John C. Reilly (L), the international guest of honour, takes part in the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Performers at the St Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

People out enjoying the parade in Dublin, where the theme was Connections. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Members of Limerick CLG pictured with the Liam McCarthy Cup as an estimated 50.000 people lined the streets of Limerick for the welcome return of the St Patrick's Day parade. Picture: Don Moloney

Hakuna Matata from Cork pictured at the St Patrick Day parade in Kilkenny. Picture: Dylan Vaughan.

Marion Cronin of Honey Hoops pictured at the St Patrick Day Parade in Kilkenny. Picture: Dylan Vaughan.

Performers take part in the St Patrick's Day Parade in Belfast. Picture: David Young/PA Wire