Irish broadcaster RTÉ has announced details for a series of programmes and events that will mark the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016. 

At the heart of the announcement is five-part drama series Rebellion, which charts life from the beginning of the First World War through the eyes of young women and their families.

Other programmes include a documentary on WB Yeats by musician Bob Geldof and a Liam Neeson narrated three-part series that will examine the Rising and events leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State. Comedy act The Rubberbandits will also present a comedy guide to 1916.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: 'The various strands of programming planned by RTÉ for the coming months will play an enormously important role in educating, enlightening and empowering the Irish public, young and old, with an authentic sense of our culture, history and identity.'

RTÉ Director Noel Curran added said the programme would look beyond 1916.

“It will also look back at the last hundred years in Ireland and look to the decades ahead of us now,' he said.

'RTÉ wants to engage by telling the stories of the key events and protagonists but also of the ordinary families, children, soldiers and the broader cultural context of the time.'