PastedImage-85370 Dublin's Temple Bar this evening at 8.15pm. Earth Cam Earth Cam

ST PATRICK’S DAY is still three days away but this weekend will likely see much of the festivities and it looks like it’s already started.

The above picture shows Dublin’s Temple Bar at the start of what’s going to be a busy night for Irish pubs. Ireland’s (disappointing) rugby match got many people out at about and there’s also an obvious influx of tourists on Irish streets.

The crowds in Temple Bar got started early today with Kevin Griffin sending us this picture from his apartment as Ireland kicked-off against the Welsh this afternoon.

temple bar Instagram / Kevin Griffin Instagram / Kevin Griffin / Kevin Griffin

Outside of Dublin there was sunshine in Cork as the St. Patrick’s Day Festival also got underway.

Cork St Patrick’s Festival pic1.jpg Gerard McCarthy Photography Gerard McCarthy Photography

Read: Open Thread: How do we feel about a ‘sober’ St Patrick’s Day? >

Read: Enda might face a bit of trouble later at Atlanta’s St Patrick’s parade >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

Looks like St Patrick's Day celebrations have got off to a good start!

Read: Open Thread: How do we feel about a ‘sober’ St Patrick’s Day? >

Read: Enda might face a bit of trouble later at Atlanta’s St Patrick’s parade >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.