The Spanish Embassy in Dublin has opened a book of condolences for the victims of yesterday's terrorist bombings in Madrid.
A spokeswoman for the embassy told ireland.comthat a "constant stream of people from every walk of life" had already called to the embassy in Ballsbridge to sign the book.
She said embassy officials were "greatly appreciative" at such an outpouring of sympathy, adding that a number of people had left flowers at the mast of the Spanish flag - now flying at half mast.
The embassy held a minute's silence at noon today to commemorate those killed in Europe's worst terrorist atrocity since the Lockerbie PanAm bombing in 1988.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is due to make a formal visit to the embassy tomorrow to sign the book of condolences.
The spokeswoman said Cardinal Desmond Connell had visited the embassy this morning, expressed his sympathies to the Spanish authorities and signed the book of condolences.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, visited the embassy in Ballsbridge yesterday evening to offer his sympathies to the Spanish ambassador.
The embassy is opening its doors to the public to sign the book of condolences today and on Monday between 9.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. A vigil, organised by the Spanish community in Ireland, will take outside the GPO on Dublin's O'Connell Street at 7 p.m. today
Books of condolence are also open at Belfast City Hall. The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Mr Martin Morgan, said the people of Northern Ireland "are only too familiar with the terrible legacy of terrorist atrocities" and that their thoughts and prayers are with the Spanish people.
