Paint the town green

Days of cultural celebration culminate in huge parades

- PAT FLANAGAN

MORE half a million people are expected to line the streets of Dublin for today's St Patrick's Day parade which organisers claim will be one of the biggest ever.

As well as people from this country, visitors from all over the world will descend on the capital to witness the spectacle.

The parade of 4,000 participants will include marching bands from around the globe, performers in colourful costumes, troupes of dancers and a spectacular display of floats.

The theme is Eachtrai - the Irish word for adventures which organisers say represents the "unique essence of Ireland and her people".

Dozens of other parades will take place in cities and towns around the country today with forecasters predicting it should remain dry although it will be cloudy and cold.

While there have been numerous other events taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend, the National St Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at noon.

It will run from Parnell Square, down O'Connell Street, over O'Connell Bridge and through the south side ending at the Cuffe Street/Kevin Street junction.

It will be led by grand marshal Hollywood actress Victoria Smurfit, who described it as an enormous honour".

There are six dedicated viewing points at O'Connell Bridge, Parnell Square, St Patrick's Cathedral, O'Connell Street, Westmoreland Street and Christchurch.