Updated 7.40pm
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE gathered at various locations around the country to mark 100 years to the day since the Easter Rising began.
The main state commemorations began this morning at Arbour Hill in Dublin with President Michael D Higgins laying a wreath at the graveside of the executed leaders.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny was also present along with relatives of the Rising’s leaders.
Crowds also gathered at the GPO where Sinn Féin carried out its own remembrance events.
A number of other events by different organisations also took place with the Reclaim 1916 event seeing Panti Bliss and Frances Black taking part in a march from Merrion Square to the GPO.
To finish off the day, tens of thousands of spectators were treated to a commemorative event with music, dance and poetry at Croke Park after the National Football League finals.
In Belfast, a parade passed through the city centre peacefully, despite a small loyalist protest. A large police presence had been in place for the event.
- With reporting by Michelle Hennessy.
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