“It’s a bit of fun; we do it every year,” assistant co-ordinator Jodie Flynn said of the days of dress-ups, Irish dancing, craft, hat making, bubbles and a photo booth.

“Over the years we’ve had children who are Irish, so it’s a cultural activity for them.”

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The child care centre marked St Patrick’s Day – a celebration of the patron saint of Ireland – a little early since March 17 fell during the weekend this year.

Mrs Flynn said the festivities had even cheered up two-year-old Halle Sullivan, who was a little homesick until she heard the Irish music playing.

“It was the first time she’s been in care and she was missing her mum,” Mrs Flynn said.

“She went from crying to dancing.

“What music can do is amazing.

“We were all dancing with her, as it was so cute.”

For a little Irish luck, the youngsters also made four-leaf clovers and painted a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – to be sure, to be sure.