Events will take place around the country this weekend to commemorate the 1916 Rising.

A Póc Fada competition will take place in the Phoenix Park this afternoon.

On Sunday, a ceremony will take place outside the GPO led by President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, and the Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney.

Other events will be taking place in towns and cities around the country, from Longford to Cork.

This year's events come ahead of the centenary celebrations in 2016. Earlier this week the government announced further details of their plans for next year's anniversary.

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South Central Aengus Ó Snodaigh outlines the significance of commemorating the Rising:

Earlier this week the Cabinet approved the State purchasing the Moore Street Rising site and its development as a commemorative centre.

It follows a rejection last year by city councillors of a proposed land swap, which would have seen the council own and operate a fully built commemorative centre.

The news was welcomed by the chair of Dublin City Council's Moore Street Advisory Committee.

Councillor Nial Ring said "This announcement...is most welcome and now there is every chance that this iconic site will be a centrepiece of the centenary celebrations."