Hundreds of thousands of people braved the cold and rain to get a glimpse of the 2013 St Patrick's Day spectacle.

The biggest parade saw hundreds of thousands of spectators descend on the streets of Dublin.

8,000 foreign visitors led the procession in the People’s Parade – which was part of the Gathering tourism initiative.

Local businesses across the country noticed a big difference in their tills as about 120,000 people passed through the arrivals gate at Dublin airport in the lead up to this year’s festival.

And organisers expect them to contribute towards a €50m financial windfall for the economy: 

Special Olympics Ireland

2013 Grand Marshall Nicky Byrne

President Michael D Higgins

Members of the Armed Forces

Lord Mayor for Dublin Naoise O Muiri