The first ever McDonald's in Ireland has been re-launched today, following a €2m refurbishment. The Grafton Street restaurant first opened its doors on May 9th, 1977.

In a year when Abba became the most talked about band in the world and the first Star Wars film opened, Grafton Street became famous as the home of Ireland's first ever McDonald's restaurant.

McDonald's says it worked closely with conservation architects to construct a new façade, having regard to the building's protected structure status.

The design was heavily influenced by the previous façade, which dated back to 1926 when the building was demolished and rebuilt with the intention of becoming a hotel.

McDonald's says the new look incorporates several of the original features - including the white stone band and bronze window frame.

The corporation has invested a total of €64m in opening new restaurants and refurbishing existing ones in Ireland since 2008 and created 1,200 new jobs.

New restaurants opened this year in Kilkenny, Carrickmines, Dublin Airport and Ballincollig, Co Cork - bringing the total number of McDonald's restaurants in Ireland to 87.

Commenting on the Grafton Street opening, McDonald’s Ireland managing director Adrian Crean said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank those involved for all of their work in completing this development over the last couple of months."

"This refurbishment further cements the dedication of McDonald's Ireland to the Irish market with two restaurant refurbishments and four new openings here in 2014 alone".