€200k budget for international Patrick's Day events
The Government is spending €200,000 on international events over St Patrick's Day.
Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has announced the funding from the Culture Ireland Division of his Department.
It is for more than 50 events in 22 countries.
27 of our 28 Ministers are travelling abroad for St Patrick's Day, with Michael Noonan the only one remaining in Ireland.
At home, visitors from Britain will surpass those from America as our top tourists for St Patrick's Day.
Expedia says the top destinations for visitors to Ireland are Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Killarney.
400,000 people are expected to attend the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin.
