It may not have seemed like summer in the drizzly conditions in the Phoenix Park, but Farmleigh House yesterday promised a season to remember as it launched its seventh cultural programme.
The 78-acre estate will host an abundance of culinary, literary and musical events between July and September.
Highlights include a day devoted to the celebration of Europe's unity and diversity to mark the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.
Organisers are expecting about 20,000 people to attend the celebration on Sunday, July 8th, which will feature a tented EU village displaying aspects of the culinary and cultural backgrounds of the 27 member countries.
A parade on the avenue led by Arcana and the Army Band, performances by Ballet Ireland, an EU family treasure hunt, and live music from Irish and European bands will also form part of the day.
The Farmleigh Affair, a two-day festival of world music, will be one of the main events in August. Musicians from Ireland, Africa, Brazil, Australia and the Balkans will play over the bank holiday weekend, including distinguished artists such as Vyvienne Long, the North Strand Klezmer Band, São Paulo's Clube do Balanço, Canada's Bebert Orchestra, the Kilfenora Céilí Band and Damien Dempsey.
A Farmleigh Salon series will take place in July, featuring musicians from Iran, Vietnam and Colombia.
Brian Lynch, who was selected as Farmleigh's inaugural writer in residence, will give a number of talks throughout the summer and a children's book day will be held in September.
A collection of contemporary mid 20th-century Irish art, which has been in CIÉ's offices for almost 50 years, will be on display at Farmleigh Gallery in July and August as part of the CIÉ Art Collection.
Garden tours, a cookery school and poetry readings will also feature throughout the summer.
Seán Benton, chairman of the Office of Public Works, launched the programme yesterday.
Farmleigh House was purchased by the government from the Guinness family in 1999 and the house and gardens have been open to the public since 2001.
Entry to the Farmleigh estate and gallery is free, but some events require tickets to be booked in advance.
A full listing of events and details on how to apply for ticketed events are available at www.farmleigh.ie