On St. Patrick’s Day, thousands of people thronged the streets of Dublin, with visitors coming from as distant locations as Bolivia and China to participate in the annual celebration. The Dublin parade featured a diverse blend of performances, including people dressed as sea creatures, ancient Celtic goddesses, and representations of traditions from various countries, reflecting the festival’s global appeal. Amidst the green and tricolour attire, the atmosphere was described by a French attendee as a “big party” where the global community gathered to celebrate.

In Belfast, the St. Patrick’s Day festivities were also marked by a vibrant parade. The event, led by Lord Mayor Ryan Casey and featuring dancers, drummers, and giant characters, continued despite a brief spell of rain, adding to the joyous celebrations of Ireland’s patron saint.

The grandeur of the parades in both cities was further highlighted by the participation of new Late Late Show presenter, Patrick Kielty, serving as this year’s Grand Marshal. Kielty, hailing from Co. Down, described St. Patrick’s Day as “the biggest party in the world,” emphasizing its role in uniting people and allowing those abroad to reconnect with their Irish heritage.

While the celebrations unfolded, Dublin also witnessed protests over Gaza, coinciding with the traditional shamrock ceremony between Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and US President Joe Biden. Nevertheless, the day’s festivities remained a focal point of joy and celebration, showcasing the vibrant culture and community spirit of Ireland and its global diaspora.