In pictures: St Patrick's Day parades in Dublin and elsewhere

The force was with revellers in Dublin as Star Wars actor Mark Hamill became international guest of honour at St Patrick's Day celebrations in the city.

The Luke Skywalker actor, whose great-grandmother was born in Kilkenny, spent time in Co Kerry filming the latest instalment of the sci-fi series, The Last Jedi.

He joined President Michael D Higgins and a host of other dignitaries as a colourful parade got under way in the Irish capital.

Mark Hamill is guest of honour at this year's celebrations (Brian Lawless/PA)
Mark Hamill is guest of honour at this year's celebrations (Brian Lawless/PA)
Spectators sit on the O'Connell monument to watch the parade (Brian Lawless/PA)
Spectators sit on the O'Connell monument to watch the parade (Brian Lawless/PA)
Game Of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham led the celebrations (Brian Lawless/PA)
Game Of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham led the celebrations (Brian Lawless/PA)
Hamill meets Irish President Michael D Higgins (Brian Lawless/PA)
Hamill meets Irish President Michael D Higgins (Brian Lawless/PA)
Thousands of people lined O'Connell Street as the parade got under way (Brian Lawless/PA)
Thousands of people lined O'Connell Street as the parade got under way (Brian Lawless/PA)
 (Brian Lawless/PA)
(Brian Lawless/PA)
 (Brian Lawless/PA)
(Brian Lawless/PA)
St Patrick himself poses for a picture (Brian Lawless/PA)
St Patrick himself poses for a picture (Brian Lawless/PA)
Colourful floats on O'Connell Street in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)
Colourful floats on O'Connell Street in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)
Wherever you are in the world, Irish eyes are smiling on March 17 (Brian Lawless/PA)
Wherever you are in the world, Irish eyes are smiling on March 17 (Brian Lawless/PA)

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took part in the equivalent parade in New York City

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took part in the equivalent parade in New York City (Niall Carson/PA)
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took part in the equivalent parade in New York City (Niall Carson/PA)
Revellers lined 5th Avenue during the St Patrick's Day parade in New York City (Niall Carson/PA)
Revellers lined 5th Avenue during the St Patrick's Day parade in New York City (Niall Carson/PA)

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