While millions across the world remembered those who died in Tuesday's attacks in the United States, a national day of mourning was observed in Ireland, with schools, businesses and Government offices all closing.
The President, Mrs McAleese, said: "Ireland is broken-hearted and grieving deeply... the people of the United States hold a special place in the hearts of all of us here in Ireland.
Special services were held throughout the country with The Taoiseach, the President and the American ambassador joining Church and political leaders in Dublin's Pro-Cathedral for a service presided over by Cardinal
Desmond Connell.
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The President, Mrs McAleese, and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, shoulder-to-shoulder at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin
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At 11 o'clock the congregation joined the world in observing three minutes' silence.
Tens of thousands of people attended special services throughout the island many standing outside their places of worship because of the crowds.
Services were held in Limerick, Galway, Derry, Waterford, Mullingar, Sligo and many other towns and villages. Many were ecumenical, while Jewish and
Muslim services were also held.
Church bells rang in Cork city at 11 a.m. as over one thousand people gathered at the Cathedral of St Fin Barre. While in Belfast, thousands gathered at City Hall for a service attended by representatives of the main churches in the North.
Next Tuesday, the people of Enniskillen will mark the tragedy with prayers at the Cenotaph, site of the Remembrance Day bombing in 1987.
Crowds gathered at the US embassy in Dublin; the National Fire Brigade presented the US Ambassador, Mr Richard Egan, with a wreath; events were cancelled; books of condolences were signed throughout the country and representatives of county councils, town and city corporations and the defence forces were represented at services nationwide.