Thousands are gearing up to attend the annual St Patrick's Day parade with the biggest being held in the capital.

More then half a million people lined the streets of Dublin last year with more expected to attend this year. 

This year's Dublin City parade includes a "people's parade" of up to 8,000 people who will walk ahead of the main performance section which is due to leave Parnell Square at 12 noon.

Festival-goers are being advised to use public transport where possible today as traffic restrictions will be in place for a time in most towns and cities across the country. 

Deputy Team Leader of AA Roadwatch Arwin Foley has this advice: