The oldest annual regional fair in this country, the 27th Birr antiques and fine art fair, opens in the Co Offaly town next Tuesday afternoon, when it will be officially launched by Mr Tom Murtagh, well-known from his appearances on RTE's Live at Three.

Dealers from across Ireland will be attending the three day event as always, an important feature of Birr Vintage week which closes at 6 p.m. on Thursday.