THE opportunities for getting a good look around previously, hard to get into places increase every year. The AIB sponsored Music in Great Irish Houses festival is always a great success among "music fans, with tickets sold out long before the June concert dates.
New venues this year include the rather daunting Freemason's Hall in Dublin and Castle Leslie in Monaghan. Another change is that the programme has been broadened out to appeal to people who are not particularly classically minded in their musical tastes.
Desmond Guinness, a long time supporter of the festival, will have, Russian gypsy trio Lyoko playing in his coach house at Leixlip Castle, while at the US ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park there will be an evening of American musical standards from Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Stephen Sondheim.
There's even something in the festival for the ever increasing number of Jane Austen fans. English actor Geraldine McEwan will give two performances of her very clever and witty one woman show devised from extracts from Austen's novels. It all sounds like a perfectly lovely way to spend a summer's evening. Friends of the festival which means its many sponsors get priority booking, but anyone can book from May 1st at 01 278 2506.