The Irish flag will fly high this weekend when millions of people across the world join in the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Now marked by a four-day festival in Dublin beginning on 16 March, the day itself will see world leaders doff their hats to the Irish at ceremonies across the globe.
In the US capital Washington DC, Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be the special guest of President Barack Obama for the annual St Patrick's Day celebration at The White House.
Last year the US President wowed the Taoiseach during his first Paddy’s Day visit to the US, and just months before Obama’s own visit to Ireland.
“We obviously have the strongest possible relationship with Ireland,” said the President. “The warmth, the affection, the familial and person-to-person contacts between our two countries extend far beyond any dry policy issues.”
He added: “There is just an incredible bond between our two countries. And that’s one that we want to reaffirm here today.”
At home, meanwhile, the weekend-long celebration is set to be bigger than ever.
“Our St Patrick’s Festival is one of the largest artistic presentations of its kind in the world and the atmosphere in the city is always electric,” said Susan Kirby, chief executive of the St Patrick’s Festival.
“This year we will be hosting some of the best events that the capital has ever seen, with something for all ages, nationalities and tastes, and the majority are free.”
Dublin is also European City of Science for 2012, and festival organisers haven’t missed the opportunity to link up with an initiative that “will open up the city in a whole new way for many people, with the parade in particular answering everyday questions in a colourful way.
“Above all, this is a national celebration,” said Kirby, “and a chance for everyone to come along and enjoy all of the fun of the festival.”
