A commemoration ceremony has been held in Kilrush in Co. Clare today for all those who died during the Famine.

The ceremony consisted of a formal State ceremony encompassing military honours and a wreath laying ceremony by Ambassadors to Ireland.

President Michael D Higgins officiated at the event which also featured music, theatre and poetry which was choreographed by the local community in Kilrush.

In previous years the national commemoration has been held in Skibbereen, Co.Cork, Murrisk, Co. Mayo, Clones, Co. Monaghan and Drogheda, Co. Louth.

The 2013 International Famine Commemoration will take place on August 25th in Sydney Australia.