Ireland staged the largest commemorative event in its history to mark the six-day revolt, when rebels seized buildings across the capital and declared an Irish republic on Easter Monday 1916.

Members of the global Irish diaspora and descendents of the rebels were among those who turned out to watch a parade by almost 4,000 members of the armed forces and emergency services, complete with tanks and military aircraft.

President Michael D. Higgins began the day's events by laying a wreath at Kilmainham Gaol, where 14 of the 16 rebel leaders executed by the British were killed by firing squad.

Under a clear blue sky, he later laid another wreath at the General Post Office (GPO), the rebel headquarters during the revolt, before leading a minute's silence for all those who died.

A military band played "Danny Boy", and an army officer read out the 1916 proclamation declaring "the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland".

"It is quite emotional," said Patrick Morrison, a 72-year-old who travelled from the US state of Pennsylvania with his grandson for the commemorations.

The government sought to stress the "inclusivity" of the events, highlighting the 250 civilians and 130 British armed forces who died alongside more than 60 rebels.

"It is important that we bear witness this centenary year to all those who gave their lives during Easter 1916," Prime Minister Enda Kenny said.

Boost for independence  

The uprising began on April 24, 1916, when over 1,000 militants took over prominent buildings in the city centre.

Britain sent reinforcements and began shelling the city, sparking days of fighting that ended when the rebels surrendered on April 29.

Public opinion was initially against the rebels, but the arrests of thousands of people in the subsequent crackdown caused outrage and a surge in support for independence.

Within six years, Britain had agreed to the creation of an independent nation, though without the northeastern part of the island, which still remains part of the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland.

The Rising "gave people the courage to believe we could achieve total independence", Eamon O'Cuiv, deputy leader of political party Fianna Fail and grandson of 1916 rebel Eamon de Valera, told AFP.

The rebels were ahead of their time with their promise of equality and religious liberty, but President Higgins noted that "in many respects we have not fully achieved the dreams and ideals for which our forebears gave so much".

Ireland currently has a caretaker government, after an election last month failed to give any single party a parliamentary majority, leading to deadlock.