The heart of St Laurence O'Toole, Dublin's patron saint, has been returned to Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin this evening after it was stolen over six years ago.

The 800-year-old relic was recovered undamaged by gardaí in the Pheonix Park earlier this year, following an intelligence-led investigation.

This evening, a special ecumenical service of dedication and thanksgiving marking the occasion is taking place in the cathedral.

Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson will also bless and dedicate the redesigned cathedral grounds incorporating the new stone labyrinth.

The heart of St Laurence O’Toole is back on public display at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. It was stolen in 2012 and recovered by gardaí earlier this year. @rtenews pic.twitter.com/wL1G7TWpMn — Sinéad Hussey (@SineadHus) November 14, 2018

The heart was stolen on 12 March 2012 by a thief who is believed to have hidden overnight in the cathedral.

It was stolen from inside an iron-barred case.

The thief also lit two peace candles on the Trinity altar in the cathedral before he left.

St Laurence O'Toole became Archbishop of Dublin in 1161 and was consecrated the following year at Christ Church Cathedral, but died in northern France in 1180.

His body was buried in Normandy but his heart was returned to Ireland and had been on display in the Chapel of St Laud in the cathedral until it was stolen.

Gardaí have carried out fingerprint and forensic tests but no arrests have been made.

This evening, they said that their investigations continue.