ABOVE: Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of Ireland`s capital to watch the largest St. Patrick`s Parade in Dublin
DUBLIN – Landmark buildings across Ireland and the world have been floodlit green as global celebrations of the Emerald Isle’s patron saint are culminating in parades and celebrations in Dublin and other cities, particularly in the U.S., on St. Patrick’s Day.
Irish President Michael Higgins attended Mass at Dublin’s pro-Cathedral, where Catholic Archbishop Diarmuid Martin blessed sprigs of shamrock in the traditional start to Ireland’s national holiday.
READ MORE: St. Patrick’s Day: the history, myths and fun facts
Hundreds of thousands of Dubliners and tourists are expected to line Tuesday’s route of the Dublin parade, the culmination of a four-day festival featuring music and dance performances, pub crawls, cultural tours and street arcades.
Later Tuesday, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny is guest of honour at the White House. Almost his entire Cabinet has spent the past week travelling worldwide to promote Ireland.
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