Irish National Day of Commemoration for war dead takes place

President Michael D Higgins inspects a Guard of Honour during an interfaith service of commemoration at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham

Memorial services to commemorate Irish citizens who lost their lives in past wars have been held in seven location across the Republic of Ireland.

The National Day of Commemoration also honoured Irish people who died while on service with the United Nations.

Irish President Michael D Higgins and Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Enda Kenny attended the main ceremony in Dublin, at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham.

This year's ceremony also marked the centenary of World War One.

Historians have estimated that more than 200,000 Irish soldiers served in the British Army and Navy during the war from 1914 to 1918.

President Higgins laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland

The names of 49,400 Irish casualties of WW1 are listed on the National War Memorial at Islandbridge, Dublin.

Sunday's military and multi-faith ceremony was attended by members of the Irish parliament, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, ex-service personnel and representatives from Northern Ireland.

Relatives of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising - the failed rebellion that reignited the fight for Irish independence from British rule - were also among the invited guests.

The ceremony included a parade by members of the Irish Defence Forces, and President Higgins laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland.

Memorial services also took place in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo, Sligo and Waterford.