Limerick has been taken over by a giant granny, in one of the centrepieces of this year's city of culture events.

Organisers say that for the next three days, the giant's journey will captivate locals and visitors alike.

Described as the biggest event in Limerick since the Papal visit of 1979, the show is performed by the Royal de Luxe street theatre company.

The giant grandmother stands at 6.4 metres and arrived into the city on the roof of a train this morning.

She was greeted by hundreds of school children and locals.

The giant is now making her way through Limerick city centre in the first of several strolls she will take around the streets between now and Sunday.

There are extensive road closures in place as a result and motorists are advised to use park and ride facilities if they need to access the city.

Over 100,000 people are expected to view the giant's journey in the coming days.