Organisers of today's St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin estimated that up to 650,000 people thronged the streets as the colouful procession wound its way through the capital.
Fire throwers, Samba dancers, the Sikh community and American marching bands joined local and national community groups and the traditional sounds of the Defence Forces bands
The theme of this year's parade was 'Legendary' and the crowd was treated to stunning displays from some of the over 3,000 participants.
Families enjoy the St Patrick's fun in Dublin
Dublin City Council's Fusion pageant, 'City Change' was awarded the 2007 Chairman's Award for their interpretation of a modern, multi-cultural Ireland.
Twelve Irish and international bands entertained the crowd. One American high school band received warm applause when they marched without their instruments, which had gone missing in Copenhagen. The Horizon High School Marching Hawks from Colorado received the Marching Band Spirit of the Parade award.
Grand Marshal of the parade, Mícheál Ó'Muircheartaigh, traveled the parade route in style with his wife Helena, daughter and grandchildren.
Mythical beasts, legendary characters and underwater creatures were brought to life as colourful life-size puppets in spectacular style. A gust of wind on O'Connell Bridge almost blew one stilt walker to the ground, but with the helping hands of nearby gardai the performing artist, dressed as a bird, soon caught up with her flock.
Parades and events staged in cities and towns all over the country, including Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Belfast, with gardai reporting no major problems.
Around 1,000 gardai were in the capital ensuring the event ran as smoothly as possible, and could be seen taking alcohol from teenagers drinking in the street.
The festivities continue tomorrow with the National Lottery Skyfest in Dublin.
The Waterboys will perform live on stage at 7pm, with the spectacular fireworks display scheduled to follow at 7.30pm.
The best viewing point will be along the North Wall Quay and Sir John Rogerson's Quay. The show will also be broadcast live on RTE 1.
Earlier today, President Mary McAleese joined worshippers for Mass in Dublin's Pro-Cathedral, concelebrated by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, principal celebrant and homilist Fr Liam O Cuiv, parish priest at Blakestown and Mountview.
Additional reporting PA