The Dublin Council of Trade Unions says it will mark May Day by protesting against the impact austerity is having on workers.

The DCTU annual May Day demonstration takes place at 7pm this evening. Members will walk from Parnell Square to Liberty Hall at Beresford Place.

It will also commemorate the centenary of the 1913 Lockout and call for the recognition of trade unions by all employers.

Mick O'Reilly is President of the Dublin Council of Trade Unions says the significance of the day is heightened in light of the rejection of Croke Park 2:

Historical origins of May Day

May Day has been celebrated in Ireland since pagan times as the feast of Bealtaine and in latter times as Mary's day.

Traditionally, bonfires were lit to mark the coming of summer and to banish the long nights of winter. Officially Irish May Day holiday is the first Monday in May.

Old traditions such as bonfires are no longer widely observed, though the practice still persists in some places across the country.

Limerick, Clare and many other people in other counties still keep on this tradition.