More than 500 guests have assembled at the RDS in Dublin for their Christmas dinner, which is organised by the Knights of St Columbanus, reports RTE.
Now in its 101st year, it is considered one of the oldest and largest charitable Christmas Day events in the country.
Over 200 volunteers are assisting this year, serving festive three-course meals to the homeless and others in need, reports RTE.
In addition to on-site dinners, another 5,500 takeaway meals have been prepared and will be distributed to those in need in their homes or accommodation across the greater Dublin area.
As well as a traditional Christmas dinner, entertainment is also being provided, reports RTE.
The meals are being provided free of charge and no reservations are required.
Free transport has also been arranged for those travelling from Dublin city centre, reports RTE.
A dedicated area is being reserved for families with gifts for children.
Chair of the Christmas Day Dinner Committee Trevor McNamara said the need is greater than ever with the rise in homelessness.
He also said it was made possible by the ”incredible generosity of our volunteers and those contributing to this long-standing tradition of looking out for the most vulnerable in our society”, reports RTE.
Today’s event is supported by a number of organisations including Alone, the Simon Community, Saint Vincent de Paul, Age Action Ireland, Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, the Order of Malta, and Dublin Homeless Awareness Services.
Organisers have also paid tribute this year to Brother Kevin Crowley, founder of the Capuchin Day Centre, who died earlier this year, reports RTE.
It first took place in 1924 in Dublin’s Mansion House. The event has been held in the RDS for the past 50 years.
Elsewhere, a number of other charity initiatives are being held across the country, reports RTE.
People will be getting their steps in as they run or walk the GOAL mile, with the charity holding over 200 events as part of its annual fundraiser.
In Lebanon, members of the 127th Irish Polish Battalion ran the GOAL Mile in Camp Shamrock this morning.
Huge crowds have taken part in the annual Christmas Day swim at a popular bathing spot in Dublin – including the “Forty Foot Santa”, reports RTE.
Christmas Day swims are held at many popular beaches like Ballybunion, Bantry, and Salthill.
Thousands thronged to the Forty Foot promontory in Sandycove as people pulled on Santa hats to take part in the festive dip despite bitterly cold conditions.
Veteran swimmer Patrick Corkery has been doing the Christmas Day swim for more than 30 years, reports RTE.
Dressed as Santa, he joked: “I just needed to do one more swim before I headed back to Lapland.
“It is fantastic although it’s a bit rough today. You need to keep an eye on the waves on a day like today.
“The water is about seven degrees. It is freezing,” reports RTE.
Those running or swimming can expect a bright but chilly day, with no rain forecast.
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