Rome: For once, St Patrick's Day in Rome will have a Northern Irish flavour to it. Today's celebrations in the Eternal City were preceded by the visit of a Northern Irish delegation to persuade Italians that the North, too, has plenty to offer.
Tourism Ireland, along with the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, Belfast International Airport and EasyJet, chose the eve of St Patrick's Day to promote its wares.
As for the resident Irish community in Rome, today will start with Mass at the Irish Franciscan church of St Isidore's, then lunch at the Pontifical Irish College and finally a reception at the Irish Embassy.
Representing the Government will be Minister of State for Justice Frank Fahey; the Ambassador to Italy, Frank Cogan; and the Ambassador to the Holy See, Philip McDonagh.