Images of freezing majorettes were a distant memory today as the sun favoured this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin.
People from all around the world crowded the streets of the capital to enjoy the parade and take in the sunshine. Winter coats were banished and ice-cream vendors were doing a brisk trade.
Hawaiian-born Kai Martinez (10 months) was enjoying his first St Patrick's Day accompanied by his parents Warren and Jamie. On a family holiday to Ireland, they were viewing the parade on Westmoreland Street.
Warren and Kai Martinez in Westmoreland Street today
"The atmosphere is electric. We're amazed there are so many people here. Everyone is really good-natured," they said.
Beside us, Macnas characters approached the barrier to kiss delighted children.
Almost hidden by his giant green hat, Andy Merriman (7) had secured himself a good view - from his dad Dave's shoulders. Both were enjoying the parade with Andy reserving a special mention for a giant pig from Pets Corner.
Australian twenty-somethings Rachel Dowdy and Alysia McNeice were sporting expertly applied green and orange eye make-up and matching scarves. Watching the parade go by at College Green, the girls said the atmosphere was fantastic.
"We're on a flying visit to Ireland and we can't get over how friendly everyone is. We've met people from all over the world where we're staying and it's really exciting to be here today."
Both girls said they intend coming back to Ireland.
Alex and Paul Geoghegan on Dame Street
On to Dame Street where two-year old Alex Geoghegan from Dublin was taking in the spectacle accompanied by his father Paul. Initially shy, Alex was eventually persuaded to pose for his photo. His dad also commented on the good-naturedness of the crowd and the holiday atmosphere.
While he thought the event was well-organised, he thought it would be better for smaller children if more stands with seating were provided.
Away from the parade, pubs, cafes and restaurants were doing a roaring trade. The international flavour of the city was much in evidence with Italian girls drinking Guinness in Temple Bar, two Brazilian men dancing outside the Olympia Theatre and a Chinese woman, her face painted with shamrocks, having lunch in a restaurant on Dame Street.