1300 gay and lesbian couples tied the knot last year in civil partnerships, according to new figures.

The statistics show that same-sex couples from all 26 counties entered civil partnerships in 2013.

In the capital, Dublin 8 had the largest number of partnerships, with 100 couples getting hitched.

Cork was the most popular area in Munster, with 106 couples celebrating civil unions.

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network says the figures show that Ireland is ready for full marriage rights for same sex couples.