Thousands of people turned out across the midlands as towns and villages held their annual St Patrick's Day parades.
Tullamore, Co Offaly, got off to an early start. The theme this year was 'Celebrating Heritage and Culture'.
Among the special guests were Ireland Rugby Sevens Olympian Jordan Conroy and Offaly All Ireland Under 20 hurling champions Dan Bourke, Dan Ravenhill and Cillian Martin.
In the heart of Ireland Athlone's parade was a community event celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Local man Mark Finlay, who celebrates 40 years with The Order of Malta was this year's grand marshal.
Organisers said they wanted to recognise him and the great work of the Order of Malta in towns and villages around the country.
In Mullingar, Co Westmeath the theme this year was ‘Celebrating Mullingar’s Sporting Heritage’ with an array of clubs taking part in the event.
Earlier, Portlaoise played host to the largest parade in Co Laois.
In Clonaslee, the sound of bagpipes once owned by legendary piper Frank Dunne and gifted back to the community got the parade off on a good note. The parade was led out by the 1975 senior hurling champions.
US President Donald Trump was almost as busy as St Patrick this year, making an appearance at several parades in the region.
