St Patrick’s Day parades to take place around the country

Dublin – Sunday's celebrations include a "people's parade" of up to 8,000 people who will walk ahead of the main performance section which is due to leave Parnell Square at 12 noon. It will wind its way down O'Connell Street to Dame Street and Christchurch Cathedral, before finishing just beyond St Patrick's Cathedral.

Cork - Organisers say this year's parade, centred around on the theme of The Gathering (Hands Across the Water ), will be biggest yet. Featuring community, arts and music groups, it begins at 1pm at the South Mall and proceeds along Grand Parade, St Patrick's Street and Merchants Quay.

Belfast – This year's procession of green floats, loud bands and acrobatic street performers follows the traditional route from Belfast City Hall to Custom House Square and begins at 12 noon.

Limerick – Likely to be one of biggest parades outside Dublin, it has a huge number of colourful participants, including the acclaimed street theatre group Macnas. Under the banner of saints and scholars, the parade starts at 12 noon on O'Connell Street and finishes in Arthur's Quay Park with a free concert.

Waterford – Starting at 1pm, this year's event is centred around the theme "Waterford roots and spirit reach far and wide". Starting at 1pm, it will follow the traditional route from the Quays (at the bus station) to The Mall before ending at the junction of The Mall and Parnell Street.

Galway - Pipe bands, dance groups and performance artists promise a carnival atmosphere. Starting at 12.30pm, the main parade begins at the top of Dominick Street and winds its way through the city to Eyre Square, eventually finishing at Galway County Council buildings.

Kilkenny – Up to 15,000 are expected to attend this year's showcase parade which starts at 2pm at McDonagh Junction, before making its way towards John St reet, The Parade, and High St, before finishing at Market Yard.

Sligo – Organisers are promising an exciting line-up of bands and street performers. Beginning at 12pm, the procession starts on Mail Coach Road and finishes at the Mercy Convent gates.

Athlone – A vintage car display is among the highlights of this year's event which starts at 2.30pm at the Diskin Centre, Golden Island. The route runs along Connaught Street, via Church Street, to Town Bridge and finishes on Main Street.

Letterkenny – Following Irish dancing and music, the biggest St Patrick's Day parade in Co Donegal will start from Market Square at 3pm.