Parades and events are being held across the country today to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Half a million people are expected to line the streets of Dublin when the parade sets off at 12pm, led by Grand Marshals Deirdre O'Kane and Jason Byrne.

The parade is making its way from Parnell Street towards Kevin Street.

Grand Marshalls Dierdre O'Kane and Jason Byrne at the St Patrick's Day Parade. Image: Niamh O’Reilly/Newstalk

Festival CEO Susan Kirby said it will be a stunning event.

“The theme this year is storytelling,” she said.

“So we have pageant companies coming from all over Ireland that we have commissioned to create work to respond to that theme.

“I have seen some of the work and it is stunning.

“We have bands flying in from all over the world and a lot of them are already here.”

St Patrick's Day weather. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

St Patrick’s Festival

One of the major events of the five-day festival fell foul of the weather yesterday, after the Céilí Mór was cancelled due to high winds.

Ms Kirby said it will now go ahead on Monday from 1pm to 3pm at Merrion Square.

She said people can log on to the St Patrick’s Festival website to find out about everything that is happening over the next two days

“We are expecting reasonable weather for Sunday and Monday so everybody can come in to the city and enjoy the festival, she said.

People enjoying Temple Bar in Dublin ahead of St Patricks Day, 16-03-2019. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Traffic

Traffic restrictions will be in place in most towns and cities and commuters are being warned to check on road closures before travelling.

Lauren Beehan from AA Roadwatch has this advice.

“Most cities and towns across the country have several road closures for St Patrick’s Day parades and there will be bigger crowds of pedestrians too,” she said.

“If you are not attending a parade, stick to motorways and bypasses where possible to avoid disruption and keep in mind that public transport will have altered timetables with possible diversions.”

10-year-old Tara Kane from Cellbridge enjoying the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin, 17-03-2019. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

Safety

Garda Chief Superintendent Sean Ward has issued this advice for people attending the parade in Dublin.

“Come in early, be well wrapped up in case the weather changes,” he said.

“Come in to enjoy yourselves. There are plenty of Gardaí and stewards there to assist you and we really hope everybody has a very enjoyable and successful and safe day at the event.”

Events begin at around noon around the country.

Main image shows (L to R) Delia Vicino, St Patrick and Carlotta Chialastri pictured enjoying Temple Bar in Dublin, 16-03-2019. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews