Sweet smells abound at Rose Festival

The scent of sweet smelling flowers will fill the air today as thousands of roses go on show to the public.

The 270 acre St Anne’s Park in Raheny this weekend hosts the annual Rose Festival.

The event, in St Anne’s Rose Garden, also features the 27th annual rose trials with breeders from around the world competing to win the prestigious top prize.

Over the last 18 months, the roses have been assessed by panel of local rosarians and horticulturists, before an international panel of experts chose the winning flower.

A variety of events will be held in the park from 10.30am to 6pm over the next two days, including live music, garden and wildlife talks with Gerry Daly and Eanna Ni Lamhhna, and guided walks.

Tomorrow (Sunday) is family activity day with children’s entertainment, face painting, puppet and magic shows.

The Rose Project, a charity that provides medical, nursing and social care to people living with or effected by HIV or Aids in Africa, will be raising funds at the festival.