The reception to celebrate the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II at the British ambassador's residence in Glencairn, Sandyford is a suitably posh affair. The British ambassador, Sir Ivor Roberts and his wife Lady Roberts greet the guests as they arrive in the handsome reception hall.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful houses in the Dublin area, Glencairn was sold in 1998, and the residence will soon be located in Rathfarnham.
Some 300 guests gather in the marquee and the garden, eating strawberries and cream in true garden party style.
The gardens at Glencairn are glorious, with 200-year-old cupressus trees and exotic firs, but as it's a rather blustery evening, the guests crowd into the marquee until the band of the Royal Irish Guards arrives, heralded by two trumpeters, to entertain the audience with familiar tunes.
Among the crowd is a sprinkling of embassy officials, including the Greek ambassador, Vassilis Pispinis, and the Italian ambassador, Alberto Schepisi.
Also in attendance are Lord Mount Charles of Slane Castle; Rita Hughes of Hughes &Hughes bookshops; the Attorney General, Michael McDowell; and Stephen Murphy from Murphy and Gunne Garages. Rev Walton Empey, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin and Justice Moriarty are outside watching the Royal Irish Guards. Angela Crean and Helen Rogers are here from the British Council.