People from all corners of the world enjoyed the sunshine and the spectacle in Dublin today. The significance of it all though, whether you were from South Africa or Tallaght, was a cause of some debate.
Sinead Spellman (25) from Tallaght didn't think it meant a lot. "I don't know what we're celebrating with St Patrick's Day to be honest. Going to Mass, celibacy and monogamy, maybe? It's a bit of fun, I think. I'm not sure if it means anything more than that these days."
Her friend Eilish Murphy (23), Ballyhaunis thought differently. "St Patrick's Day is about going out getting drunk and having a good time. It's about dressing up, having your face painted and having the craic. It's so great to be Irish on Paddy's Day."
"I enjoyed the samba part of it. It's always great to see a bunch of pretty girls dancing" was the considered opinion of Jade Sing (25) from South Africa. However, he wasn't so sure about the significance of the saint himself: "He was like the pied piper of snakes right? I was sceptical about coming out to a big event like this but it's won me over. It's a fun day for sure".
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Daragh Murphy (36) and his daughter Michaela (2) from Dublin |
One father and daughter (pictured) were sure on one thing. They were having a great time. From their vantage point on Dame Street, Daragh Murphy (36) and his daughter Michaela (2) from Dublin, thought the parade was spectacular with the Inishowen float drawing oohs and aaahs from them.
It's the first Dublin parade for Pat Flanagan (79), who lives in Bristol. "I'm originally from Galway and it means a hell of a lot to me to be here in Ireland for St Patrick's Day. I've seen a lot of parades through the years but this is definitely the best one. It's great to see such a variety of people."
There was samba dancing and sunshine aplenty on hand to keep the Brazilians happy. One of them, Nathalie Pires (19) said: "I couldn't believe how big it was. We hear about St Patrick's Day in Brazil of course but I never expected this kind of party. The Irish sure know how to have a good time."
Gary Flood (42) from Dublin is part of the 'Diced Carrots' performance company. "I've been coming here every year for twenty years, usually performing in some way. This is really excellent. I'm enjoying the transition year performance a lot."
For one Mayumi Hirao (23) of Kyoto in Japan however, St Patrick didn't have much to do with it. "I can't believe I saw Kerry McFadden! I am a huge big fan of Westlife. This was a great day", she said.