The first official events to commemorate 1916 get underway today.

President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny will attend a flag-raising ceremony at Dublin Castle to mark the start of the State's programme of events.

Relatives of those who lost their lives in the rising will also be in attendance.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys will be attending a state event in Dublin later today: