Ten towns around Ireland have hosted specific events to welcome the individual accession states to membership of the European Union.
Galway carnival for Estonia
The famous Macnas company mounted a day long parade reflecting the history, culture and national charecteristics of the Baltic state.
More than 20,000 people watched performances in the pedestrianised city centre.
Mayor Terry Flaherty formally welcomed Estonia as a member at a function outside the city's historic St Nicholas's Collegiate Church.
A large group of Estonian nationals who work in Ireland came to Galway to join in the celebrations. One group travelled from Cork.
The Galway carnival will continue late into the night.
Killarney the venue for Czechs
5,000 people turned out for the EU Welcome Day celebrations in Killarney earlier.
A delegation from the Czech Republic was welcomed to the town earlier by the Minister for Tourism, John O Donoghue, who said they had a lot in common with the Irish people.
Street entertainment was provided by the Buibolg Theatre from Wexford and the Knocknagoshel Arts Group.
The Killarney events concluded tonight with a concert of music from the Czech Republic and Ireland in the Great Southern hotel.
Sligo hosts Hungary for the day
Sligo people turned out in large numbers to enjoy a flavour of Hungarian culture in glorious weather earlier.
A town centre car park has been closed off and a stage erected for performances by Irish and Hungarian bands and dancers.
The culmination of the day of welcomes there was the ‘Krescendo’ carnival parade - a vividly coloured parade drawing on Irish and Hungarian tradition.
350 people, including ten Samba bands, participated.
Slovak Prime Minister in Cork
The Slovak Prime Minister, Mikulas Dzurinda, went on a walking tour of Cork's city centre, visiting Patrick Street where dozens of stalls are offering Slovakian and Irish culinary delights.
Earlier he addressed members of the Cork City Council at City Hall, where he said he was delighted to be in Cork to mark this historic day.
Meanwhile, thousands of people enjoyed the food, and entertainment on offer such as Slovak pop diva Misha and Irish songwriter and singer John Spillane.
Latvia the guests in Drogheda
Following an official flag-raising ceremony at the historic Millmount fort in Drogheda, the focus of the celebrations shifted to the town centre.
Music of a somewhat different kind was also taking place on the Mall, with a live pop concert featuring several bands.
A number of theatrical events took place around the town, while tonight the Latvian State Choir performed a concert in St Peter's Church.
Limerick welcomes Slovenia
A international gastronomic carnival took place in Limerick as it played its part in welcoming Slovenia into the new larger EU family.
The Serpentes street theatre group from Slovenia, along with the Umbrella project from Limerick provided some theatrical colour on the streets.
A host of waterside activities, including kayak racing and dragon boat racing, took place on the river Shannon.
Cyprus disappointment in Bray
The President and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus were guests of honour at a special ceremony in Bray, which has been twinned with Cyprus in its accession to the EU.
Both expressed disappointment that the political realignment of Cyprus had not taken place in time for EU enlargement. The Greek Cypriot south voted against the UN plan to reunify Cyprus.
Hundreds of people turned out in Bray to enjoy the numerous activities on offer. Traditional Cypriot dancers put on a special performance and numerous stalls handed out Cypriot cheeses and wines to grateful passers-by.
Waterford concerts and dance for Malta
Hundreds of people enjoyed the EU celebrations in Waterford city, which welcomed Malta.
Concerts and folk dancing took place, culminating in the 'Big Bang' street theatre event.
