Dublin Leads the World in St. Pat’s Celebration

DUBLIN (AP) — Landmark buildings across Ireland and the world have been floodlit green as global celebrations of the Emerald Isle's patron saint are culminating in parades and celebrations in Dublin and other cities, particularly in the U.S., on St. Patrick's Day.

Irish President Michael Higgins attended Mass at Dublin's pro-Cathedral, where Catholic Archbishop Diarmuid Martin blessed sprigs of shamrock in the traditional start to Ireland's national holiday.

Hundreds of thousands of Dubliners and tourists are expected to line Tuesday's route of the Dublin parade, the culmination of a four-day festival featuring music and dance performances, pub crawls, cultural tours and street arcades.

Later Tuesday, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny is guest of honor at the White House. Almost his entire Cabinet has spent the past week traveling worldwide to promote Ireland.