President Mary McAleese will today honour four explorers who made history by becoming the first Irish expedition to reach the South Pole.
The team, led by veteran adventurer Pat Falvey, will meet the the President at Arás an Uachtaráin after completing their mammoth 58-day Antarctic trek.
Cork City Council is also planning a civic reception for the group, which includes county natives Mr Falvey and Dr Clare O'Leary (35), who became the first Irish woman to reach the Pole.
The expedition arrived at the Pole just over a week ago after journeying 1,140km.