The streets of Irish cities were quiet on St Patrick’s Day in sharp contrast to the usual lively festivities.
Almost all the usual colorful parades that attract thousands were called off following medical advice for social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Small numbers of European tourists turned out on O’Connell Street in Dublin where the city’s main parade usually takes place.
And there were deserted streets in the popular Temple Bar area.
With pubs closed, visitors instead entertained themselves by taking selfies and buying St Patrick’s Day merchandise.
Just one small religious parade took place at Saul, Co Down, where social distancing was observed.
Instead, church bells across Dublin rang out at 11am to act as a reminder of the faith and as an expression of social solidarity.
Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin celebrated a live-streamed Mass service at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, during which he urged an “outpouring of the works of mercy towards the sick and vulnerable, and for a spirit of generosity and self-sacrifice, compassion and charity in Ireland, and across the world”.