In light of announcements made by the Irish government regarding the shutdown of public spaces, events promoters around the country have begun announcing plans to cancel and postpone events throughout the month and beyond.

Gardaí say they will be out in force this bank holiday weekend with increased checkpoints and surveillance patrols around the country.

St Patrick's Day festivities are in full swing at the moment.

Around a quarter of a million people gathered in Dublin city last night for the annual Skyfest fireworks display to mark the St. Patrick's festival.