THE 8th Dublin Antiques and Fine Art fair takes place at the RDS, beginning today, and it will feature some of the Republic's leading dealers.

Fair organiser Louis O'Sullivan says the fair is taking advantage of St Patrick's Days falling on a Monday to run over the three days. Among those attending is the well known Dublin based antiques dealer Gerald Kenyon, who will have several pieces of good quality furniture, including a fine late Georgian mahogany Davenport. He will also have a very good Georgian mahogany fitted secretaire, as well as a set of 10 single and two arm chairs in simulated rosewood, with sabre legs and brass inlay by MacWilliams and Gibson.

Adare based Carol O'Connor will also have furniture, as well as two grandfather clocks, chandeliers, lanterns, mirrors and porcelain. "Something for everyone," she says.

A Victorian military brass bound chest and an Edwardian inlaid bureau bookcase will be just two of the items which Ester Sexton will offer. Oman Antiques will be bringing a fine selection of antique furniture, including a 19th century mahogany three pillar dining table, a William IV mahogany sideboard and a Victorian Chippendale bow fronted display cabinet.

A brandy saucepan made in Cork around 1770 by John Nicholson, as well as a rare Wiliam III mug, also made in Cork, circa 1765 by Robert Goble, will be among the items which Dublin silver dealer Jimmy Weldon will have on offer.

In the jewellery section, Linda Paine will be selling a wide range of Victorian and Edwardian pieces, as well as a number of small collectables, including microscopes, and boxes as well as writing slopes.

George Stacpoole will be offering a range of 18th and 19th century maps of Ireland, as well as a number of prints and watercolours.