Phoenix Park To Host Free Drive In Cinema

This summer, Phoenix park is to open its gates to not only drive-in movies, but a beer festival, live music and a book fair - and all for free.

The events are to take place from the beginning of July at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park.

Members of the general public will be able to enjoy a series of classic movies on a huge outdoor screen as well as see horror films and musicals.

The cultural programme, which is being co-ordinated by the Office of Public Works (OPW) was launched by Dr Martin Mansergh, OPW Minister, on Friday.

A series of salon music concerts will take place next month which includes musicians such as Muzsikas from Hungary and Mali’s Ballake Cissokho, while experts from RTÉ’s The Dealers show will also be on hand to offer advice at an antique and rare book fair to be staged in July.

As part of the season, Athletics Ireland is organising a Family Fitness Festival, which includes a 5km open road race.

The Farmleigh Affair Festival commences in August and offers two days of free music from both national and international artists.

For the beer connoisseurs, a two-day SeptemberFest 2008, loosely based on Munich’s Oktoberfest, will feature Ireland's craft brewers showcasing traditional ales, beers and ciders as well as speciality food.

Other summer events at Farmleigh include a children's book day, storytelling workshops and botany lectures.

(DW)