Tens of thousands of people are in Dublin today as the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, a highlight of the summer each year, gets under way.
Claiming to be one of th top equestrian events in the world, the horse show nevertheless also promises a fun day out "whether you are a horse enthusiast or not".
Organisers promise five days of equestrian competition, fashion and entertainment - rain or no rain.
A spokesman said the two rings were “packed” by lunchtime and that anyone not enjoying the outdoor events was indoors in the Main Hall browsing some 300 trade stands.
“We’ve done a lot of work over the last three years and the drainage is brilliant. It’s positively one of the best arena’s anywhere in the world. And the sun has started to come out.”
Tomorrow, frocks and headpieces will be the order of the day as judges scour the crowds for the Best Dressed Lady.
The prize fund for the well-dressed winner is worth some €10,000.
The 2008 Aga Khan Challenge Trophy, which is the show’s most prestigious competition, is expected to draw a large crowd on Friday afternoon when four competitors from eight countries will battle it out.
Other attractions include over 300 trade stands offering everything from aromatherapy to yo-yos, along with music, theatre and magic on the band lawn.
The first Dublin Horse Show was held in 1864 under the auspices of the Royal Dublin Society, but organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland. In July 1868, the first show held and organised by the society was held on the lawns of Leinster House. It started as a show of led-horses and featured ‘leaping’ demonstrations.
The organisers of this year's show are encouraging those attending to use public transport to get to the RDS in Ballsbridge as car parking is limited.
A busy programme of events continues until Sunday.