EVENTS:WOOLLY HATS, scarves, gloves and other outdoor insulation may be dispensed with in most parts of the country today as the recent mild weather continues for the St Patrick's Day festivities.
Weather conditions across the country will be mild and the east coast may even see some sunshine, Met Éireann has said. But for those using extendable ladders to get a better view, forecasters are warning that it will be breezy.
Met Éireann forecaster David Rogers said there would be more cloud for parades in the west and possibly some drizzle on the coast. But most events will escape dampness and temperatures could reach 15 degrees in some places.
Over 100 parades will be held around the country, from Skibbereen in Co Cork to Dunfanaghy in Co Donegal.
Gardaí have warned people attending parades to be conscious of their belongings. In a statement yesterday, they advised parade-goers not to display valuables, to be aware of pickpockets and to keep a close eye on children.
The largest parade will be held in Dublin. Led by grand marshal and former Irish soccer international Packie Bonner, organisers say it will attract 650,000 spectators.
Beginning at Parnell Square at noon, some 3,000 parade participants will make the 2km walk to St Patrick's Cathedral, via O'Connell Street, Dame Street and Christchurch Place. Eight pageant groups will take part with displays on the theme the Extraordinary World.
International marching bands will be joining the parade from India, North Carolina, Louisiana, Bulgaria, Austria, France, Spain and the UK as well as Ireland. Road closures around the route have been in place since 5am this morning and will operate until 4.30pm. Luas red line services will operate only as far as Smithfield from 11am to 2.45pm. Tara Street station will be closed until 4pm, but the Dart will operate services before and after the parade from Pearse and Connolly stations.
The parade will be televised by RTÉ and a potential 320 million viewers will see event highlights through CBS and NBC in the US, NDTV in India, Japanese TV and the BBC World Service, which is making a documentary on the parade. The Cork city parade, which has the theme Ship to Shore begins at 1pm on the South Mall and finishes on St Patrick’s Street. Routes will be closed from midday.
The SpringBelfast city parade will leave City Hall at noon and finish at Custom House Square.
In Kilkenny city, up to 15,000 onlookers are expected at the parade from 2pm and 40,000 people are expected from 1pm for the Waterford parade, which has the theme Through the Looking Glass. Limerick city expects up to 30,000 spectators for its I Love Limerick parade tomorrow. The Galway city parade begins at 12.30pm on Fairhill Road and will end in Eyre Square.
