Dublin, Downing Street and Haughey
Dublin was officially inaugurated as European City of Culture in March 1991, succeeding Glasgow. The designation brought a year-long programme of performances, exhibitions, commissions and community projects. Ceremonies at the Mansion House, St Stephen’s Green and the National Concert Hall marked the opening, with Taoiseach Charles Haughey among those attending. The programme sought to present Dublin not merely as an historic capital but as a contemporary European city with a lively artistic life.