Each' & awe

Millions mark national day at home and around world

- CATE MCCURRY AND CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

HALF A MILLION people lined the streets of Dublin yesterday for what was expected to be the biggest St Patrick's Day parade in the country yet.

Children waved the Irish tricolour while visitors watched the long and energetic parade make its way through the streets of the capital to celebrate Ireland's patron saint.

The theme of this year's event was adventures, or "eachtrai" in Irish.

Spectators were adorned in all shades of green, many with shamrocks and the Irish tricolour painted on their faces, while others wore leprechaun hats and Irish jerseys.

People gathered at the barriers from yesterday morning in green and tricolour gear.

The Dublin parade included 12 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and Austria - as well as dozens of performers and extravagant floats.

There were around 4,000 parade participants from across the globe in the parade.

The parade featured members of An Garda Siochana, a float from Dublin Zoo, the Irish Coast Guard, baton twirlers and the Artane Band.

The weather stayed dry throughout as revellers partied for the patron saint.

Minnu Sebastian, from India, has been living in Ireland for three years and it's her third time attending the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin.