Revellers have turned out across the north to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint, including in the town where his remains reputedly lie buried in the shadow of Down Cathedral.
Downpatrick’s parade for St Patrick’s Day saw colourful dancers and spectacular floats wind their way from Downshire Estate on the outskirts of the town, to its centre, where a special St Patrick’s Village was erected for people to celebrate the festivities with music, dancing and a artisan market.
![PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 17-03-24
St Patricks Day Celebrations - Downpatrick
Led by St Patrick himself, the St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick offers swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds.
Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/P4DPVOTR3VBHNJUDNGVERIUVUE.jpeg?auth=4372e6b356f2d3e05e979a7d8837fbf614acaf7f12acb7818cedc2fd660cdde1&width=800&height=533)
The town annually highlights its special link to St Patrick, for whom it is named and where his grave is said to be.
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Among those who viewed the parade was SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath, who said in a Facebook post: “Thank you to all who participated for all the colour! Enjoy the rest of the day!”
![PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 17-03-24
St Patricks Day Celebrations - Downpatrick
Led by St Patrick himself, the St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick offers swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds.
Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/BYEFYP6ZFJDCDAMYCJWHEY4FKY.jpeg?auth=96177056d1b75e55a23684da6bd7acc3570584f308748548dbe7facea997a469&width=800&height=533)
In Armagh, home to two cathedrals named after the patron saint, hundreds viewed Sunday’s parade, which took place on the penultimate day of the city’s annual St Patrick’s Festival.
![Heavy Showers doesn't deter the big crowds at St Patrick's Day Parade
Armagh Ireland
17 March 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/7XNZ2FYFQRBX5B6JHCLFTHEWAU.jpeg?auth=505858cfe1228f197075e727ac3cf9f322687353eb51c86f53e77aec8dd9e0aa&width=800&height=398)
Armagh also celebrates a proud link to the saint, who is said to have founded his first stone church there.
![Heavy Showers doesn't deter the big crowds at St Patrick's Day Parade
Armagh Ireland
17 March 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/5NHT6OGX7BAHND3TM6QOWQ43QE.jpeg?auth=be59e90d1b0c554cfa48212897d34af626303a9bf22041d6177daaf5c1782a6c&width=800&height=521)
Meanwhile, crowds lined the streets of Derry city centre for the St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival.
![Scenes from the Derry St Patrick's day parade 2024](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/2U3V6R5FTVCPDHX3KZHSDYT2JY.jpg?auth=cb40158e58923d86b52f904cbfaae01669bf865d4bc32de0ff3a52ebb73cdaf8&width=800&height=554)
Along with the traditional parade, which saw thousands view participants along the route, revellers enjoyed gigs at the city’s Guildhall Square.
![Scenes from the Derry St Patrick's day parade 2024](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/5RIWOG5QINGF5DVK66KELX3ZMI.jpg?auth=3fb99a4fc5e0eceef1704d5a80d1e334258247182a119ce97a04c65dbae64829&width=800&height=676)
The Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland took part in the parade in Dublin.
Great to see the Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland taking part in the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin today ☘️🇬🇧
— Richard Mckee (@mckee1690) March 17, 2024
Getting a fantastic response playing past the GPO. #StPatricksDay #Dublin #FluteBand pic.twitter.com/HTjIV9d7QZ