St Patricks Day celebrations draw thousands of revellers in Ireland

401PM GMT seventeen March 2010

Previous of Images Next Patrick Sullivan from Downpatrick walks along with the St.Patrick Day march in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland Photo AFP A actor waves to the crowds during the St Patrick"s Day march in Dublin, Ireland Photo PA Two youngsters watch the St Patrick"s Day march in Dublin Photo PA An acrobat performs in Dublin Photo PA

Hundreds of thousands of people collected in towns and villages national for some-more than 180 special events imprinting the occasion.

In Belfast, musicians, performers and village groups danced by the heart of the city whilst the object came out only in time to gleam on an estimated 650,000 spectators at Dublin"s world-famous parade.

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Shamrock-painted faces and newness hats filled the capital"s streets, with a little dauntless bystanders swinging from lampposts to catch a improved perspective of the festivities.

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner acted as Grand Marshal for the day, heading his immature armed forces along the busy 1.8-mile (3km) route.

This year"s ""Extraordinary World"" thesis for Dublin saw hundreds of general travel performers in fantastic costumes have their approach by the crowds.

Stall owners Noel Owens was enjoying a resounding traffic in flags and pixie memorabilia at his mount outward Trinity College.

""It"s a pleasing day, the ambience here is electric,"" he said.

""I"m regularly unapproachable to be Irish but generally on Patrick"s Day - people come from all over the universe to be here for this parade.""

On circuitously Dame Street Tim Parks from Dundalk, Co Louth, had brought his dual immature young kids along to suffer the spectacle.

""We"ve met people from China and India and they"re all ready to go in immature so there"s a good clarity of fun,"" he said.

""I think in the stream mercantile meridian it"s a possibility for people to dont think about the retrogression for the day and may be drown their sorrows in a immature Guinness.""

As Taoiseach Brian Cowen hold talks with President Barack Obama at the White House and presented him with the normal play of shamrocks, Washington tyro Alex Navarro was enjoying the celebrations in Dublin.

""Obama loves the Irish - they"re the series one most appropriate friends,"" the 21-year-old said.

""And on St Patrick"s Day everyone"s Irish for the day.""

Earlier in the day Mr Cowen and his mother Mary had breakfast with US vice-president Joe Biden.

The Taoiseach thanked Mr Biden for the await his nation had since to Ireland and pronounced a last step had been taken towards assent and wealth with the new Hillsborough Agreement for devolving policing and probity powers.

""The last square of the jigsaw is in place,"" he said.

""The approved will of the people of Ireland to live in peace, that was so obviously voiced in the Good Friday Agreement, has found the full expression.""

Mr Cowen additionally spoke of the substantial mercantile hurdles faced by both countries.

I know that you are deeply intent in the query to emanate jobs and replenish mercantile certainty here in the United States,"" he told Mr Biden.

""I salute your care and I instruct you well in all that you do.""