St Patrick's Day parades: Everything you need to know

St Patrick's Day is being marked around the country with parades big and small taking place across villages, towns and cities.

Here's some information on the major parades being staged around Ireland...

Dublin

Approximately half a million spectators are expected to line the streets of Dublin to take in the annual parade, led by this year's Grand Marshal, Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty.

'Spréach' is the theme this time out, meaning spark in Irish, aiming to highlight the "unique essence of Ireland and of Irish people".

The parade starts from Parnell Square North at 12pm, and is scheduled to end at Kevin Street Lower, near Stephen's Green.

The parade will travel from Parnell Square down O'Connell Street, cross the Liffey onto Westmoreland Street before turning onto Dame Street. It will then continue on towards Nicholas Street and Patrick Street, before the final stretch on Kevin Street.

A series of road closures will be in place to facilitate the parade, and public transport routes will also be impacted, so those travelling into the city on Sunday are advised to check their route beforehand.

Galway

Expected to be the biggest St Patrick's Day parade Galway city has ever seen, Sunday's instalment looks ahead to this summer's Olympics in Paris with its theme.

The parade, which will feature over 3,000 participants, starts at 11.30am from University Road, crossing Salmon Weir Bridge. It will continue on towards Eyre Square before finishing up on Prospect Hill.

Cork

Taking inspiration from the beloved Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory song, the theme of Cork's parade is 'Pure Imagination'.

What promises to be a vibrant display will set out from South Mall at 1pm.

The route will lead the parade towards Grand Parade, before turning on to St Patrick's Street and finishing on Merchants Quay.

Limerick

The Treaty county promises 'A Different Kind of Energy' with its parade theme.

Led by Grand Marshal, Seán O'Sullivan, who was recently crowned the winner of this year's BT Young Scientist, the parade will start out on O'Connell Avenue at 12pm, heading up onto Henry Street before making its way to finish on Rutland Street.

Belfast

Belfast's parade will get underway from 1.30pm.

Starting and ending at City Hall, the parade will weave through the city centre, taking in Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place.

Derry

Derry's parade will take place between 3pm and 4pm, starting at Bishop Street.

The theme is 'Recycle & Renewal', so expect a fantastic focus on taking used materials and giving them a new lease of life.