Veteran broadcaster Gay Byrne has spent his 70th birthday in Co Donegal in the company of his family and friends.
Now retired, he celebrated his birthday yesterday. He spent the early part of the day walking in the hills and glens with a group of friends.
Later in the evening he had a party at his secluded Dungloe home with neighbours and friends from the area.
On Wednesday night he dined with wife, Kathleen, and about 10 friends at a seafood restaurant above O'Donnell's Bar in Burtonport. Traditional music by local musicians was also laid on for the occasion.
Later in the evening Gay and Kathleen posed for some photographs on the pier at Burtonport from where he often sets sail on his fishing trips.
Yesterday Gay told Highland Radio that this was an exciting year in the Byrne household, starting off with his own birthday.
"I'm celebrating my 70th today while Kathleen will be 70 later this year," he said. "We also have the marriage of our daughter, Crona, coming up this year, while our other daughter, Suzy, will give birth to our first grandchild, all being well, before the end of the year, so all in all it's a big year."
Gay, who has had a holiday home at Tubberkeen outside Dungloe for over 30 years, spends much of his spare time in west Donegal. He is often seen walking along remote areas of the county and often has groups of friends joining him. He also enjoys a spot of fishing in the waters off the west Donegal coast. In the time that he has been in Donegal, he has been closely involved with the Mary from Dungloe festival but took a back seat two years ago from the judging panel. He had also hosted the show up until Daniel O'Donnell took over seven years ago.
"I was involved with the festival for over 30 years and enjoyed it but I won't be coming back," he said.
The Byrnes enjoy a quiet lifestyle when they are in Dungloe. Gay has always spoken of the friendliness of the people and how peaceful it is.