The unveiling of a new sculpture by Breon O'Casey, son of playwright Seán, inaugurated the sixth season of international cultural events at Farmleigh House in Dublin.
Mr O'Casey and his family were joined yesterday by Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney and Minister of State Tom Parlon, who described the bronze sculpture, Éan Mór, as a "wonderfully wrought" piece.
Farmleigh's cultural programme runs from July to September and comprises an eclectic array of recitals, gardening showcases, food courses, poetry readings and exhibitions.
At next month's week-long RTÉ Farmleigh Proms, some 10,000 people are expected for performances by the RTÉ National Symphony and Concert Orchestras in a custom-built marquee. A mini-festival of world music - the Farmleigh Affair - takes place over the August bank holiday.
In September, the estate will host readings and master-classes from its inaugural European writer in residence, the Polish poet and critic Jerzy Jarniewicz.
Entry to the Farmleigh estate, gallery and events is free, but visitors are required to book tickets. Further information is available at www.farmleigh.ie
Summer at Farmleigh: selected events
• Salon series features music from around the world, including Iarla Ó Lionaird, the Eva quartet (Bulgaria), the Moscow Art Trio and Debanhish Bhattacharya (India)
• Exhibition of art from State buildings acquired from 1995-2005. Works will be showcased in the recently opened Farmleigh Gallery, and will be followed by an exhibition of contemporary Croatian drawing
• Tours of the gardens, with demonstrations and lectures from Dermot O'Neill, Éanna Ní Lamhna and Eric Dempsey
• A series of food lectures and food and wine demonstrations with chefs Tony Keogh and Claire McCormick, RTÉ's Derek Davis and TV3's Catherine Leyden
Among the events organised for children are a Polish circus, visual arts workshops, storytelling and readings.