Ireland is being celebrated around the world today even though parades at home and abroad have been cancelled.

The 'Global Greening' is taking place despite the current coronavirus crisis which means over 400 buildings and tourists sites will be green for one day.

The initiative started with the Sydney Opera House ten years ago and is seen as one of Ireland's great international promotions.

Nelson's Column at Trafalgar Square in London joins Tourism Ireland's Global Greening campaign to mark St Patrick's Day. Photo: David Parry/PA Wire/PA Images

This year, the London Eye, Niagara Falls and the 'Welcome' sign in Las Vegas are among the sites taking part in over 50 countries.

Other locations include the Chain Bridge in Budapest, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and, for the first time this year, Madison Square Garden in New York and City Hall in Bangkok.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Chicago. Click photo to see whole image. #globalgreening #chicago #Ireland @TourismIreland pic.twitter.com/0nvDYSjeVy

— Barry Butler Photography (@barrybutler9) March 17, 2020

Tourism Ireland is behind the scheme and its CEO, Niall Gibbons, says it's fantastic that countries still want to honour our national day.

Speaking to Newstalk, he said: "We're deeply grateful to Ireland supporters around the world who, despite the unprecedented challenges that we're facing at the moment, are marking St Patrick's Day in a positive light

"We hope that the 'Global Greening' celebration will bring some positivity to people and hope as well in what is a very difficult climate.

He added: "We'll come back bigger and better than ever before, ensuring that we support our industry and be kind to each other over the next couple of months.

"But for today, it's keeping a reminder out there that Ireland is still held in high esteem around the globe, and all these 'Global Greenings' are a tribute to that and a tribute to our diaspora.

"We'll keep the flag flying and we'll be back in business in no time."

And further across the globe as Christ the Redeemer, The Great Wall of China, the Sydney Opera House & Burj Al Arab, Dubai have all gone green! #RiodeJaneiro #Sydney #China #Dubai #HappyStPatricksDay #GoingGreen #StPatricksDay #Ireland #MakeitIreland ☘️🐑 pic.twitter.com/Ohmz1ALHnl

— Shane_Ovation (@OvationShane) March 16, 2020

Main image: The Gate of the Orient in Suzhou, China. Photo: Tourism Ireland via Twitter