President Michael D Higgins stayed in the hospital overnight for observation after undergoing tests, but he is said to be in 'excellent spirits.'

The 82-year-old President was admitted for precautionary tests after feeling unwell yesterday evening.

In a statement, Áras an Uachtaráin said that he was initially assessed at the President's house that "no immediate concerns were identified but a decision was made to proceed to hospital in order to undergo tests, the initial results of which have been positive."

"The President, who will remain in hospital overnight, is in excellent spirits and has thanked the medical staff for the care he has received."

On Wednesday night, President Higgins presented British director Steve McQueen with the  Volta Award for this year's Dublin International Film Festival.

Earlier Thursday, the President had a courtesy phone call with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son. He also conducted a meeting with Peter Pellegrini, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, alongside a parliamentary delegation to Áras an Uachtaráin.