In Pictures: Pints and parades as revellers celebrate St Patrick
By PA
Ireland made sure it was not left out of an event that is now truly global as revellers marked the feast day of the island’s patron saint St Patrick in the usual way.
Crowds took to the streets in cities and towns including Dublin, Belfast and Athy in Co Kildare as pageants unfolded with Irish dancers and leprechaun costumes in evidence.
Marching bands from North America and Austria joined the festivities in the Irish capital while many raised a glass in celebration.
There were also events in Galway, Limerick, Cork, Belfast and Derry.
In Dublin, members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Siochana played their part in festivities while in Athy, Irish dancers led the parade.
In London, the Princess of Wales visited the Irish Guards, bought a round of drinks, and admired the regimental mascot, an Irish wolfhound.
Dressed in green, Kate wore a shamrock as she met service personnel.
