The first events will be held today to kick off the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.

The state programme will begin with a flag raising ceremony at Dublin Castle. Among those attending are the President, the Taoiseach, Minister Heather Humphreys and the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

The Defence Forces will read a roll of honour of those volunteers who lost their lives during the 1916 Rising, followed by a raising of the three flags which were flown on O'Connell St in Easter 1916 - the Irish Citizens Army Flag, the Irish Republican flag and the national flag.

Minister Heather Humphreys says later, a special concert will be held in the Convention Centre to mark the beginning of the centenary year.