Traffic restrictions in place ahead of New Year celebrations
Traffic restrictions are in place in Dublin today as New Year celebrations take place in the city centre later.
Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of the capital - as the countdown begins to 2013.
Ireland plans to ring in the New Year with an extra loud bang tonight - as Dublin's New Year's Eve festival also marks the beginning of the tourism initiative The Gathering.
Organisers say tonight's event in the Capital will showcase Ireland and encourage tourists to visit the country.
The festival kicks off at 6 o'clock on Suffolk Street with a Procession of Light.
Hundreds of people - carrying glowing LED lights and giant lanterns - will make their way through the streets to St Stephen's Green.
They'll be accompanied by fire breathers, dancers and stilt walkers.
Then at 8pm - a spectacular 10 minute fire work display will light up the night sky - over St Stephen's Green park.
At 9pm - The Countdown concert begins on College Green featuring acts such as Imelda May and Bell X1 - and like last year - this is a ticket only event - with tickets costing 20 euro.
