The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a warning to its citizens who are visiting Ireland.

In a post on its website, the department says people should exercise "common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia".

It says Ireland has "a moderate incidence of serious, violent crime".

But also contained in the post, dated April 11th, it says: "Tensions between dissident republicans and unionists have increased in the lead up to the centenary of the Easter Rising".

It also says people "should avoid all protests and demonstrations, including those associated with Northern Ireland, as they may turn violent".

It also claims that car theft and break-ins are increasing, especially in Dublin and tourist locations, and that rental cars are particularly targeted.

"Credit card fraud and ATM scams are becoming more common", it adds.