In August 1969, headlines were dominated by Northern Ireland and the beginnings of what was to become known as “the Troubles”.

It was a state visit that changed the state of relations between Ireland and Britain for good. Here are some things we noticed along the way.

President Michael D Higgins has hailed the transformation of relations between Britain and Ireland, from doubt to trust and mutual respect. In a historic address to Britain’s Houses of Parliament — the first time Ireland’s head of state has been given the honour — Mr Higgins said the two countries now have a closeness that once seemed unachievable.

The two houses of the Oireachtas are due to hold a joint sitting at the Mansion House in Dublin today to mark the 90th anniversary of the first Dáil.

Scores of women elected to the Oireachtas today packed the Dáil chamber to mark the 90th anniversary of the first female TD and MP.

A special ceremony is being held in the Dáil chamber today to mark the contribution made by female TDs and Senators since the establishment of the Irish State.

SENIOR female politicians have pointed to internal constituency battles as a bigger obstacle to gender equality than winning votes on polling day.

Scores of women elected to the Oireachtas will pack the Dáil chamber next week to mark the 90th anniversary of the first female TD and MP.

NEXT weekend marks the 90th anniversary of the 1918 general election, the last British election in which the people of the 26 Counties participated.