Three important EU milestones for Ireland are being celebrated today.

It's 40 years since Ireland joined the EU, 2013 is Ireland's seventh Presidency of the EU Council and it's also the European Year of Citizens.

The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister of State for European Affairs will mark the milestones at a flag-raising ceremony at Dublin Castle.

You can watch a video on the Irish initiative "The Gathering" below: