Up to 1 million people are expected to visit Dublin over the next few days for the Tall Ships Festival.

It was chosen as the final host port for the Tall Ships Races this year and the long-awaited event gets underway today.

The quays will host free concerts street performances, food markets and other forms of entertainment over the next four days.

Patrick Ring of Dublin Chamber of Commerce says it is a huge boost for the local economy.

Terminally ill children as well as kids with special needs are also being given a fun day out at the Tall Ships Festival.

The ‘Make It Happen Foundation’ is taking a 150-strong group of young people on board two vessels – the ‘Lord Nelson’ and the ‘Pelican of London’ – today and on Saturday.

id="_mcePaste">Spokesperson Con Murphy hopes it will give the children a chance to simply be kids for once.