Each year, President and Sabina Higgins open up Áras an Uachtaráin for a series of Garden Parties celebrating the work of people and organisations active on themes of citizenship and community - themes that are central to the Presidency of Michael D. Higgins.
The 7th event in the 2016 series was today's "Gaeilge sa Ghairdín" Garden Party; a celebration of the Irish language and of the people and groups who are using and promoting it.
Just before the event, the President accepted, on behalf of the State, five medals that were awarded to Douglas Hyde while he was studying in Trinity College and were donated by Margery Godhino and her family. The President also unveiled a plaque on the 'Seomra de hÍde' (Hyde Room) at Áras an Uachtaráin and dedicated a tree to Douglas Hyde in honour of his contribution to Ireland as An Craoibhín Aoibhinn and as the first Uachtarán na hÉireann.