Thousands party on St Patrick's Day
President Barack Obama meets with Brian Cowen in the Oval Office of the White House
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Wednesday March 17 2010
Gangs of green-clad revellers took to the streets to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in towns and villages nationwide for more than 180 special events marking the occasion.
In Belfast, musicians, performers and community groups danced through the heart of the city while the sun came out just in time to shine on an estimated 650,000 spectators at Dublin's world-famous parade.
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner acted as Grand Marshal for the day, leading his green army along the bustling 1.8-mile - 3km - route.
This year's "Extraordinary World" theme for Dublin saw hundreds of international street performers in spectacular costumes make their way through the crowds.
Stall owner Noel Owens was enjoying a roaring trade in flags and leprechaun memorabilia at his stand outside Trinity College. "It's a beautiful day, the atmosphere here is electric," he said. "I'm always proud to be Irish but especially on Patrick's Day - people come from all over the world to be here for this parade."
As Taoiseach Brian Cowen held talks with President Barack Obama at the White House and presented him with the traditional bowl of shamrocks, Washington student Alex Navarro was enjoying the celebrations in Dublin.
"Obama loves the Irish - they're our number one best friends," the 21-year-old said. "And on St Patrick's Day everyone's Irish for the day."
Earlier in the day Mr Cowen and his wife Mary had breakfast with US vice-president Joe Biden.
The Taoiseach thanked Mr Biden for the support his country had given to Ireland and said a final step had been taken towards peace and prosperity with the recent Hillsborough Agreement for devolving policing and justice powers.
