ALL EYES will be on Co Tipperary this evening as the centrepiece of the St Patrick's Festival, the Skyfest fireworks display, takes place at the Rock of Cashel.
Bank holiday revellers in Cashel have been told to brace themselves ahead of the explosive pyrotechnic and musical extravaganza, which in recent years has drawn huge crowds to its Dublin shows.
The Skyfest has been described by witnesses to previous displays as "a spectacle among spectacles" and it takes place at the Rock of Cashel from 6.30pm tonight.
Tickets for the Skyfest have long since sold out, but locals have been informed that the fireworks display will be clearly visible right across the surrounding area, as well as on RTÉ 1 from 7.30pm.
Regardless of your location this weekend, the selection of parades, music, markets and entertainment on offer across the country should ensure all tastes are catered for.
BELFAST
Belfast's St Patrick's Day celebrations will this year centre on a carnival parade, which leaves City Hall on Monday at 12pm and culminates at Custom House Square.
The parade will feature thunderous drums, a huge rainbow float and a raft of shamrocks. Following the parade, there will be a free concert in the 5,000-capacity Custom House Square at 1pm.
Entertainment will include an Ulster Scots folk orchestra and traditional group Four Men and a Dog. Ex-Sugababe Mutya Buena will headline the event.
CORK
The Cork parade promises an explosion of colour and noise, with 50 floats set to take a two-hour circular tour of the city.
The parade starts at 1pm at the Parnell Place end of the South Mall. It will then travel up Grand Parade, Patrick's Street and Merchant's Quay, finishing at Parnell Place. Roads will be closed in the area from noon to 5 pm.
GALWAY
The Galway parade kicks off at Dominick Street at 12.30pm on Monday, before making its way to the city's Eyre Square.
The parade will feature a traditional Nigerian tribe from the Association of Nigerians in Galway, Bog People from Macnas, a Norse tribe and boat from the Galway Traveller Movement, and a tribe of "St Patricks with snakes" from the Brothers of Charity.
Other highlights include drummers and brass bands and French marines from the ship Pluvier.
LIMERICK
Limerick Springfest and international band competition takes place over the weekend. It has attracted entrants from home and abroad, with bands from the US, Germany and Britain taking part.
The Friendship Band from Northern Ireland will perform a free, open-air morning concert in the Milk Market on Saturday.
The parade starts at noon on Monday from Sarsfield Barracks and clowns and street performers will provide entertainment.
WATERFORD
Waterford's St Patrick's Day parade takes place on the City Quays from 1pm. The popular arts group Spraoí will add colour to the parade, which will be lead by well-known local playwright Jim Nolan.
Meanwhile, there will also be a selection of live music, kids' events and free entertainment on Barronstrand Street throughout Monday.
KERRY
In Kerry, the Tralee parade kicks off at noon on JJ Sheehy Road. Members of the Kingdom's All-Ireland football winning team will be on hand with the Sam Maguire trophy and the town square will feature traditional music over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Killarney parade will feature five bands and antarctic explorer Pat Falvey as grand marshal. It begins at Ross Road at 2pm.
