Cork parade: More than 50,000 people thronged the streets of Cork yesterday to view a colourful and vibrant parade.
The city event is the largest in the county but the west Cork town of Dripsey believes it has the world's shortest parade - just 25 yards.
Almost 20 other parades took place all over the county. Thousands of screaming children lined the route as RTÉ children's television stars Dustin the Turkey and Socky led the parade.
Fifty floats passed through the city centre from the South Mall to MacCurtain Street and there was a big emphasis on artists ahead of next year's European city of culture events.
Among the parade were two floats entered by the Chernobyl Children's Project, other entries included the UCC dramatic Society, Cope foundation and the Cork Community Art Link.
The organisers of the Dripsey parade were hoping that their event would secure a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the world's shortest parade.
Ireland's most unique parade began in 1999 and despite its size, there were between 30 to 40 entertainment acts taking part.
Each year the parade departs from the Lee Valley Inn and travels the 25 paces to the door of the nearby Weigh Inn.
Once the last participant enters the pub, the focus of the celebration shifts to the nearby crossroads where live music is played.
The local community association is waiting for the Guinness Book of Records to validate its claim on the 23.4 metre route. Bord Fáilte has seen the parade's potential and has produced a six-page glossy brochure on the event.
• In Co Kerry, Dingle's parade began at 6 a.m. when locals gathered behind the local fife and drum band to march the town's main street, making their way to St Mary's Church for the blessing of the shamrock at 6.30 a.m. The tradition dates back to when Catholics had to march before dawn because of the Penal Laws.