The Irish Naval Service has marked its 75th anniversary by showcasing its fleet in Dublin.
The ships earlier passed through a number of ports and will be opened to the public later on Wednesday.
Minister for Defence Simon Coveney attended the celebrations, along with Lord Mayor of Dublin City Alison Gilliland, An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Lettie McCarthy, Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, Defence Department secretary-general Jacqui McCrum and Flag Officer Commanding of the Naval Service Micheal Malone.
The event began in Dún Laoghaire Port, with an honour guard inspection by Mr Coveney and a gun salute to herald the anniversary.
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They sailed from Dún Laoghaire on board the LE Samuel Beckett and arrived into Dublin Port.
At Dublin Port, there was a fly-past by the Air Corps.
Later on Wednesday, a number of ships are opening to the public as a “Meet the Fleet” experience.
President Michael D Higgins said the Naval Service has been an “unfailingly courageous and professional” component of the Defence Forces.
He added: “As we celebrate this landmark anniversary, I welcome this opportunity to recognise and commend the many crew members of our Irish naval vessels who have, since 1946, made such a valuable, indeed crucial, contribution to our society.
“On behalf of the people of Ireland, I thank you for your constant and reassuring presence throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction, protecting both our marine assets and the safety and rights of our citizens.
I also thank you, especially, for the remarkable spirit of human solidarity you extend to citizens across the globe through your missions to overseas peace support operations, and the vital role you have played in so many humanitarian search and rescue operations.”
Mr Coveney praised Naval Service men and women past and present for their “dedication and excellence”.
“Your dedication to service, to maritime security, to the marine environment and to each other, is evident in the professionalism and steadfastness with which you have undertaken your roles assigned by Government over these last 75 years,” he said.
“Today, your role at the national level cannot be understated and, looking forward, your potential should not be underestimated.”
Vice Admiral Mellett said: “I am so proud of all who serve, have served and who support the Naval Service.
“No matter what tasking, be it on fisheries monitoring and protection patrols, major search and recovery operations, counter-terrorism and drug interdiction operations or multinational humanitarian operations, the selfless manner in which you meet these challenges head on reflects the spirit of the generations that precede you and inspires the next to make a difference.”– PA