Update 12.05pm: Former Diplomat and author, Eamon Delaney, thinks the advice is bizarre, and damaging.

Mr Delaney said: “This is the most strange and even ludicrous advice by the Australian authorities about Ireland.

“There was no unrest for 1916 commemorations, there was no unrest or even tension in Northern Ireland over the commemorations.

“It really makes you beg the question as to how the Australian government and its consular service and its foreign service forms its expertise on countries, especially somewhere like Ireland, of which they should know well.”

Earlier

A travel warning has been issued to Australian tourists thinking of coming to Ireland.

It claims tensions are high between unionists and republicans because of the Centenary of the Easter Rising.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued the travel warning for Ireland on its website.

In particular, it highlights that tensions between dissident republicans and unionists have increased in the lead up to the centenary of the Easter Rising.

It advises Australians visiting here to avoid all protests and demonstrations, including those associated with Northern Ireland, as they may turn violent.

“Instances of civil disorder can rapidly escalate into violence and you should avoid them wherever possible,” it states.

The smartraveller.gov.au website also says Ireland has a moderate incidence of serious, violent crime and recommends avoiding secluded parks and unlit areas.

It says petty crime, including bag snatching, smash and grab from cars and public transport, and pickpocketing is common, particularly in city centres and areas frequented by tourists.

It also states that car theft and break-ins are increasing, especially in Dublin and tourist locations, and rental cars are particularly targeted