World's Iconic Landmarks To Go Green For Paddy's Day

Almost all of the planet's most famous landmarks - including the Pyramids in Egypt and Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue - are to be turned green for St Patrick's Day.

In a major marketing coup, Tourism Ireland has convinced those in control of the most iconic sights in the world to take part in the celebration of Ireland's patron saint.

The Sydney Opera House, Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Empire State Building in New York, Berlin's TV tower - you name it, it will be going green.

Other sites taking part include the Welcome sign in Las Vegas, Copenhagen's Little Mermaid and Table Mountain in South Africa.

"Tourism Ireland is absolutely delighted that so many well-known sites and attractions are eager to come on board with us and join in our celebration of Ireland on St Patrick's Day," said Tourism Ireland boss Niall Gibbons, who said they had a few other big name locations up their sleeve that will be announced in the coming weeks.

"The eagerness to take part underlines the strength of the deep spiritual connection that people everywhere feel to Ireland - a major boost in this special year of The Gathering Ireland."

One of the sights that is on Ireland's wish-list is Buckingham Palace in London.

"I have written to the private secretary of the Queen, but we haven't had a reply yet," said Mr Gibbons.

"We wrote a couple of months ago, but it is a dialogue that is in progress. I wouldn't be putting any pressure on people."

The tourism agency has even traced the until-now unknown Irish roots of the future Queen, Kate Middleton in a bid to increase its chances, and will publish are report on it in the coming weeks.

Britain is a crucial tourism market for Ireland, but numbers visiting from its nearest neighbour have fallen significantly in recent years.

"The British market is very difficult," admitted tourism minister Mr Varadkar, who blamed the UK's own weak economy.

"Fewer British people travelled abroad last year than they did 10 years ago, which is extraordinary if you think about it.

"And we still have a perception that Ireland is an expensive place to visit. Now, all the research we have shows that this is improving and British people now coming to Ireland are going back and saying that Ireland isn't that expensive after all, hotels and accommodation in particular are very good value.

"But it will take a bit of time I think for that to filter through."