Ahern officially opens Farmleigh

Farmleigh in Dublin's Phoenix Park has been officially opened by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, this afternoon.

The estate was purchased by the Office of Public Works in 1999 on the behalf of the State at a cost of £23m.

The buildings will be used to facilitate visiting dignitaries and hold national and international meetings.

The estate will also be open to the public for community and cultural events.

Hundreds of people attended today's opening, which included a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra.