Final preparations are under way for St Patrick's Day festivities across the country.
In Dublin, where the national celebrations are taking place, a five-day programme of events is already under way.
Tourism officials are expecting more than 50,000 extra visitors to Dublin this weekend for the St Patrick's Festival.
They will be joining hundreds of thousands of others expected along the route of tomorrow's parade.
Over 200,000 people are forecast to turn out for the fireworks display in the Docklands area on Sunday evening. It returns after being cancelled last year because of construction work.
Other parades and events are planned in almost all major cities and towns around the country.
Meanwhile, more than 330,000 passengers are expected through Dublin Airport over the course of the weekend, with more than 2,000 flights heading to winter sun or skiing destinations.
19 special extra flights will leave today from Irish airports for the Six Nations decider in Rome.
Passengers are being strongly urged to familiarise themselves with new security regulations.
Siobhan Moore of the Dublin Airport Authority says there will be extra staff to help out.
Warning to motorists
Motorists are being urged to exercise caution on the roads over the holiday period.
The Road Safety Authority is warning drivers to expect the unexpected - due to the extra bank holiday weekend traffic.
A spokesman said although Ireland's road safety record has improved, no one could afford to be complacent.
