ST PATRICK’S DAY parades are taking place across the country today, as people from near and far celebrate everything Irish.

The turnout for over 100 parades across the country have been high so far: Dublin has seen the highest number of people ever flood its streets, with an estimated 650,000 revellers turning out. The theme of the capital’s parade was inspired by a Roddy Doyle book – about “banishing the black dog of depression” - in a nod to the city being named as a Unesco City of Literature this year.

Meanwhile, in Limerick a crowd of 70,000 watched a parade that included 4,600 included participants. It was the biggest ever parade for the Limerick, which is celebrating being crowned 2011 EU City of Sport.

Tens of thousands of people watched the parade in Waterford city and celebrated maritime history of Ireland’s oldest city, with the theme “The Three Shippes”. The city will see the return of the Tall Ships Race this year.

A massive turnout was also reported for the Cork parade.

We have some photos of the Dublin parade below: