IN PICTURES: County Limerick at its very best as communities mark St Patrick's Day

COUNTY Limerick was at its very best this weekend as communities came together to mark Ireland's national day.

There were 13 St Patrick's Day parades across Limerick, with clubs, community groups and local companies well represented.

The fun began on Saturday, with the Newcastle West parade taking place from The Square.

It is a departure from the norm for the county town, with its parade taking place 24 hours before St Patrick's Day.

This Sunday, it was a lunchtime start in Kilmallock for their parade.

IN PICTURES: More than 50,000 people celebrate St Patrick's Day in Limerick

There were also 12.30pm starts in Mountcollins and Rathkeale.

Like the city parade, the spectacle in Castleconnell had a high noon start, as did Broadford's event.

Abbeyfeale, Adare, Askeaton, Ballylanders, Bruff Castlemahon and Kilfinane also featured.

Mayor Gerald Mitchell decided against travelling overseas in order to witness as many parades in Limerick as he could this Sunday.

As well as in the city, he was present at Adare's parade.

The Hospital man said: "It's a special day. We are celebrating not here in Ireland, but all over the world. We are known for our warm friendliness and it's a fantastic day, not only for Ireland, but everywhere in the world. It's great to honour St Patrick and St Patrick's Day."

Check out our pictures from the parades in Castlemahon, Mountcollins, Newcastle West, Askeaton and Rathkeale!