The president lays a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance this afternoon PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

THE WEEKEND OF commemoration of the 1916 centenary has begun with a wreath-laying ceremony at Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance.

The first wreath to be laid was done so by President Michael D Higgins. A minute’s silence was observed after he had done so.

PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

The ceremony was attended by 700 relatives of the people who died during the Rising, together with the acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton.
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The president is set to meet relatives of those killed during the the 1916 Rising at a special event to be held in the RDS in Dublin this evening.

Up to 600,000 people are expected to travel to and from Dublin over the course of the three day weekend.

Enda Kenny in attendance at the Garden of Remembrance this afternoon PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Major traffic restrictions are in place with members of the public urged to use public transport should they wish to access the celebrations in the city.

While the Luas tram service is in operation today, it is expected to be out of commission both tomorrow and Easter Monday due to a planned strike on the part of the tram drivers as their campaign for better remuneration continues.

Read: Massive concert to mark 1916: 1,100 singers from 32 choirs join forces with RTÉ orchestra

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