The sun even peeped out as the parade left the grounds of city hall.
During the parade the floats, dancers and musicians a;; snaked their way through the city centre before returning to the city hall.
Meanwhile, on Slemish mountain, hundreds of pilgrims came came to walk where Saint Patrick once did.
There was music, laughter and prayers said as many climbed the mountain.
1. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th March 2026 Thousands took to the streets of Downpatrick for the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. A general view of the parade in Downpatrick. Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th March 2026Thousands took to the streets of Downpatrick for the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. A general view of the parade in Downpatrick.Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye Photo: Photographer / Phil Magowan
2. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th March 2026 Thousands took to the streets of Downpatrick for the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. A general view of the parade in Downpatrick. Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 17th March 2026Thousands took to the streets of Downpatrick for the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. A general view of the parade in Downpatrick.Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye Photo: Photographer / Phil Magowan
3.
St Patricks Day celebrated today on Slemish Mountain in Co Antrim Photo Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Photo: pacemaker
4.
St Patricks Day celebrated today on Slemish Mountain in Co Antrim Photo Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Photo: pacemaker