It rained, clouds loomed treacherously, but the festivities went on - as St Patrick's Day parades and celebrations took over the country.
An estimated 500,000 spectators hit Dublin for the annual parade. Before dawn had even broken in the city, the streets were bustling with activity as barricades were placed along the route of the city's St Patrick's Day parade.
As well as 10 specially commissioned pageants involving between 100 and 300 performers each, it included 19 marching bands from the UK, the US, Norway and Germany.
Met Éireann's forecast for rain - though correct - failed to dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic revellers.
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A performer outside the GPO on O'Connell Street today
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Events in the capital had heavy competition from festivities around the country, all striving for the "Best Celebrated St Patrick's Day" title.
Galway was ahead of the posse, playing host to the "saint" himself, who landed in the Claddagh five days ago after sailing to the city on a small skiff.
Following last night's Flame of St Patrickevent, the city streets were filled with the thousands of spectators, gathered to watch the parade passing.
After last years' cancellation due to foot-and-mouth the parade was one big Celebration. It followed the traditional route moving from University College Hospital through Eglinton St before finishing in Eyre Square
Also determined to make up for last year's cancellation, Belfast city geared up for the "best ever" St Patrick's Day parade. Children took centre stage as they attended dressed in international costumes to join in spirit of celebrations taking place across the globe.
The carnival left from North, South, East and West Belfast and culminated in an array of colour and creativity in Belfast city centre. Performing live on stage were Féile FM Roadshow, Durkan Folk, 'Sky's the Limit' and Irish and Indian Dancers.
Three New York firefighters were the Grand Marshalls of Cork city's parade. The members of the 3rd Ladder Company, who lost 12 members in the September 11th attack, led over 60 floats and bands through the city.
While the Limerick City parade began at Sarsfield Barracks, Shannon Development were busy preparing for its 2002 International Band Festival which takes over in the evening. To continue tomorrow, the event will be held in the city centre.
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Dublin parade.
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Motorists are advised to take care on the roads over this holiday weekend. The National Safety Council cautioned drivers on Friday that drink driving, speeding and not wearing seatbelts remains the main causes of road deaths.
This evening, a ceilí will cause St Stephen's Green North from Dawson Street to Kildare Street to be closed from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Also note Heuston Station, Dublin, is closed today and bus transfers are in place for those planning to by rail to the city today. The station will reopen at 1 p.m. tomorrow.
Bus Éireann will operate a Sunday timetable over the weekend, with a small number of restrictions. Passengers are advised to contact the hotline on 01- 8366111.