Kilkenny is all set for the visit of Prince Charles and Camilla today.
As part of the four-day visit, the Royal couple will attend Kilkenny Castle, where they will hear traditional music and watch a hurling match.
It will be it will be the first Royal visit to the city in more than 100 years, and they will be hosted by the heir to the Smithwick's brewing fortune Paul Smithwick who received an OBE earlier this year.
The city will be open for business during the visit, but a number of streets will be closed to traffic - with most closures taking effect from 5am this morning.
Security will be tight and people coming to view it are asked to arrive in good time, and not to carry large bags.
John Hurly, the Chief Executive of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, says the visit will give the local economy a real boost:
"I think it will have a tremendously positive effect really; the Royal party have a huge following and they're watched everywhere they go.
"By them coming here it means the limelight will be shining on Kilkenny, and it gives us an opportunity to showcase some of the wonderful things we have here.
"Things that people can come and visit on a holiday basis, but also it will focus in on Kilkenny and the South-East as a great place to perhaps base a business.
"That is something we are very much open to discuss with International entities, especially in the wake of Brexit."
