Dublin and Ennis have become the first town centres in Ireland to be awarded a Purple Flag.

It is an international award which recognises excellence in managing town centres with a focus on night-time economy.

A flag-raising event has taken place in both town centres to mark the event today.

The area from Grafton Street to George's Street and Dame Street in the capital was given the international award.

The Dublin City Business Improvement District says purple flag cities and towns see an average 10% increase in foot-fall numbers, leading to increased revenue for the area.

Honours excellence between 5pm & 5am

The award is seen as similar to the Blue Flag given to the finest beaches and the Green Flag that flies in our most eco-friendly schools.

The Purple Flag is an accreditation scheme that honours excellence in the appeal and management of a town or city centre area between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

The accolade has already been given to places like London's Covent Garden, Belfast's Cathedral Quarter and Liverpool's City Centre.

The town centre that receives the award must score highly in well-being (safety and cleanliness), movement (traffic flow and public transport), broad appeal (appeal for people of all ages and interests), place (vitality and cultural stimulation), and policy envelope (clear aim).