Clonmel was alive with the sound of traditional music last night as up to 150,000 people converged on the town for the 52nd Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The crowds began gathering early in the week when the first of some 10,000 musicians began arriving in the Co Tipperary town for one of the country's biggest annual events.
Visitors from all over the world will spend an estimated €18 million over the weekend.
As well as the core musical events, sideshows such as a donkey derby and street entertainment will take place.
Speaking at last night's opening ceremony, the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, paid tribute to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, which organises the event, mainly through huge voluntary effort.
"This festival gives everybody here a true insight into Irish culture at its glorious best and there can hardly be a traditional music event anywhere in the world to rival it," he said.
While most visitors are content to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy impromptu sessions, the 150-odd competitions in musicianship and singing continue to form the core of the fleadh.
Performers in a variety of age categories, from under-12s to over-18s, must come through provincial championships to qualify for the national finals that make up the fleadh .
While the festival began officially last night, and runs until Sunday, a number of pre-fleadh events, such Scoil Éigse which provides tuition in traditional Irish music have been taking place since Sunday.