Tens of thousands are expected to descend on Dublin this morning for the annual Pride Festival.
Today's parade will begin at the Garden of Remembrance at 1pm, before passing O’Connell Street, the Custom House Quay and Westland Row towards Merrion Square.
Big crowds are also expected at the all-day street party hosted by popular LGBT venue Pantibar, which has secured an outdoor licence for the day.
Pre-Pride breakfasts and brunches will be available from 11am at the Church bar on Jervis Street, Outhouse on Capel Street and Whitefriar Grill on Aungier Street.
Over on Merrion Square, festivities at the Pride Village begin at noon, with Panti Bliss and a number of drag performers expected to make appearances.
After-parties will kick off in the evening at the Palace on Camden Street, the George on George's Street, Mother at the Tivoli Theatre and Oscars Christchurch on Fishamble Street.
A record number of companies will be taking part in this year's celebrations, according to the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network.
“Companies coming to Pride today send out a very important message to employees, and potential customers who will be enjoying this year’s parade, that their organisation celebrates and values everyone,” said Davin Roche, its director of workplace equality.
Research published earlier this year suggested that half of LGBT employees in Ireland view their workplace as inclusive.
However, one in four described their company as being a difficult place to work for LGBT people.
Rainbow on rainbow, how appropriate for the weekend that's in it! Loving the buzz in Dublin #Pride2016 #DublinPride pic.twitter.com/v8A1hN7Nja
— Brian Marrinan (@BrianMarrinan) June 24, 2016
Check out the #DublinPride #Parade Route & Itinerary of our #Pride top picks https://t.co/LkJgOYuuIW #LoveDublin pic.twitter.com/njmF5wtVwb
— DublinVisitorCentre (@DublinVC) June 24, 2016
The festival ends on Sunday with a ceremony of remembrance, to remember those lost by the community. The event starts at the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square at 6pm.
