Limerick has been confirmed as Ireland's first National City of Culture in 2014 as part of a new programme launched by minister for arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan.

Under the National City of Culture Initiative, a location is to be selected every two years and deliver a programme of cultural events, while also providing longer-term benefits.

It is hoped the programme will bring together artists, arts organisations, local authorities and civic groups in each respective city in a bid to demonstrate its vibrant cultural scene.

Deenihan said: "Through this, I hope that the selected Cities of Culture will experience an increase in visitor numbers for the period that they hold the designation."

It follows the success of similar initiatives in other countries, while the UK will see its first City of Culture - Derry/Londonderry - receive the designation next year.

Click here for more information about Ireland's National City of Culture Initiative.