As families spend time at home over the holiday period, BirdWatch Ireland is asking people to spend a short amount of time each week watching their garden birds and recording what they see.

The modified schedule also offers three daily return services on Sundays.

Since 2013, €1.7 million has been donated through the annual appeal, with almost €8000 raised in total across counties Longford, Westmeath and Leitrim.

The charity, "FirstLight", has provided free professional counselling care to over thirty bereaved families and parents across counties Longford, Roscommon and Leitrim.

The project aims to provide an alternative to hospital admission for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

This year's swim is raising donations for the Mohill Historical Society.

The reindeer are currently resting in their stables at The North Pole as Santa and the elves load the sleigh.

One driver was detected driving at 93kph in a 80kph zone on the R327 near Cloonfad.