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.