In pictures: St Patrick's Day delight as sun shines on parades

An eager young girl waiting for the parade in Dublin city centre to begin. Picture: Arthur Carron/Collins Photos

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets today to enjoy the St Patrick's Day parades and festivities all around the country.

Decked out in their finest green clothing, there were shamrock sunglasses, ribbons, flowers, hats, and beards as far as the eye could see.