St Patrick’s Day festivities bring out the crowds in Downpatrick, Armagh and Derry

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.

The town annually highlights its special link to St Patrick, for whom it is named and where his grave is said to be.

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!”

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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.

Armagh also celebrates a proud link to the saint, who is said to have founded his first stone church there.

Meanwhile, crowds lined the streets of Derry city centre for the St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival.

Along with the traditional parade, which saw thousands view participants along the route, revellers enjoyed gigs at the city’s Guildhall Square.

The Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland took part in the parade in Dublin.