A fun-filled summer programme of art, poetry, song and dance, unveiled at Farmleigh House today, is expected to entice thousands to the capital over the coming months.
The house and gardens opened to the public in 2001 and this year's cultural events programme, running from July to September, includes music recitals, gardening showcases, food appreciation courses, and poetry readings.
There will also be ballet performances, a major art exhibition, children's book day and even cookery classes — all on the grounds of the majestic Phoenix Park house.
"In addition to this eclectic and extensive programme, there are the Farmleigh Collections — some of the finest works acquired by the state — a display of fine Irish bindings in the Nobel Room, a season of events for children, visual arts workshops, storytelling and readings, music in the bandstand from a variety of brass and silver bands, gorgeous farmers' markets and guided tours of the house and gardens," a spokeswoman for the event said.
Highlights include two days of music on the big stage for the Farmleigh Affair over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, involving musicians from Africa, Brazil, Australia and The Balkans together with a wealth of Irish talent.
Farmleigh, a 78 acre estate in Phoenix Park, was purchased from the Guinness family by the Irish Government in 1999 for 29.2m euro.
The house has been carefully refurbished by the Office of Public Works (OPW) as the premier accommodation for visiting dignitaries, for high level Government meetings, and for public enjoyment.
Further details of the cultural programme can be found by logging on to www.farmleigh.ie