One of the biggest Rainbow parties in Europe has been taking place in Dublin this afternoon.
More than 60 floats and over 60,000 people took part in today's Pride parade, which started in St Stephen's Green and ended at an event in Smithfield.
Speeches were held at Stephen's Green from noon ahead of the march itself.
The parade will be followed by street parties and other events in venues across the city.
Participants taking part in today's Gay Pride parade festival in Smithfield Dublin today. Photo: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
Former President Mary McAleese - who marched in the parade with her son Justin and his husband - says the Pride parade in Dublin is like nothing she had ever imagined.
She has also been joined by Minister Katherine Zappone, as well as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's parents.
Mrs McAleese said: "It's a wonderful expression of what's in people's hearts in Ireland this day. It's fabulous."
Image: Andrew Lowth
Festival Organiser Eddie McGuinness said the parade is a celebration of the rich diversity of Dublin's LGBT+ community.
Speaking ahead of the parade, he explained: "The parade is all about the people themselves - this is about community.
"With our theme this year 'We Are Family', [it's about] the diversity of families... and they're all coming from all over... not only Ireland and Dublin, but actually around the world. That's what we want to really embrace."
Government Buildings were illuminated in Pride colours last night to celebrate the event, and will be again tonight.
On the 24th of June, the Government marked the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. To coincide with Dublin Pride 2018, Government Buildings will be illuminated in the Pride colours on Friday and Saturday evening. #Pride2018 pic.twitter.com/mXLfAEsuvr
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) June 29, 2018
