On the first day of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is taking place in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, thousands of people attended.

Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach, gave the event its formal opening earlier today.

The Comhaltas Ceoltóir Éireann-organised the Fleadh, which is sponsored by the town's Fleadh Executive Committee and is coming back for a second time this year.

Over the course of the next week, it's anticipated that the town will get 500,000 tourists.

“The place is buzzing, and our committee is still working hard to make sure no stone is left unturned," said Joe Connaire, chairman of the Fleadh organising committee.”

Mullingar hosted the first Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 1951, the same year that Comhaltas Ceoltóir Éireann was established there.