Parades to mark St Patrick's Day

Thousands lined the streets to watch Newry's colourful parade

Parades have taken place across Ireland to celebrate St Patrick's Day.

NI's biggest events were held in Belfast and Londonderry, but Ireland's patron saint was also remembered in Armagh and Downpatrick.

Belfast City Council organised a carnival procession which left City Hall and culminated in a free concert at Custom House Square.

Translink said a normal Saturday service was in operation for all bus and rail services.

In Londonderry, the main parade left the Diamond, whilst in Armagh celebrations kicked off at 1230 GMT at the Outdoor stage in Market Street.

Chewbacca was one of the exotic visitors to Newry's parade

Armagh City and District Council hosted a day packed full of events, including Patrick In His Own Words, a historical spectacle based on extracts from the Book of Armagh.

The mayor, William Irwin, said: "This year's celebration will be one-of-a kind, as the St Patrick's Festival Organising Committee has moved away from the more traditional carnival processions and developed this exciting, imaginative event. "

Meanwhile, as part of celebrations in Downpatrick special steam train trips operated between the train station and Inch Abbey, a ruined 12th Century Cistercian Abbey, on the Belfast Road.

Belfast-based traditional music group, The Lough Lao Musicians, were entertaining the passengers.

In Dublin, the patron saint is the focal point for five days and nights of colourful celebrations in the capital.

Tens of thousands of visitors descended on Dublin to celebrate the holiday in style.

Apart from the St Patrick's Day Parade, the highlight of the weekend will be a firework display at Docklands on Sunday night.