John Mahon, a Dubliner who now lives in Britain, invested the money in 'Second Life', an internet programme that allows users to create a cartoon character of themselves called an 'avatar' and roam streets and buildings built by other SL members.

Users can interact with other people, teleport to various regions, listen to 'live' music, dance in discos, drink in bars, gamble in casinos, swim and even fly.

'Dublin in SL' is by far the most exact replica of a city in the bizarre internet programme, which came to public attention last year when the BBC reported that a woman had hired an online private detective when she suspected her husband of having an affair in the virtual world.

"Like most new people, I stumbled around for months, trying to make some sense of it [Second Life], " Mahon told the Sunday Tribune.

"The first thing that struck me is that everything in there was built by the residents. Secondly, I was impressed by the possibilities. After a month, I decided what was missing was a decent Irish bar. Having travelled a lot I know that a good Irish bar is a focal point for meeting people and entertainment throughout the world, so why not Second Life?"

Mahon then brought together a project team and found a 'builder' . . . an American graphic designer living in Birmingham. Mahon . . . who still flies and also works in airline management . . . and his team visited Dublin to orient themselves and then set about building a replica online.

Second Life's Dublin was launched in April of this year with a 14-hour music festival.

The focal point of Mahon's Dublin is 'The Blarney Stone' pub, which is modelled on Gogarty's in Temple Bar. According to Mahon, it is "a popular meeting place for long-standing residents and new arrivals. Like most Irish bars abroad, we have an active live music scene where musicians from around the world perform 'live' in the bar."

The virtual city stretches from the Millennium Spire to St Stephen's Green, and includes Trinity College, the Ha'penny Bridge and Grafton Street.

"Everyone has been impressed with the level of detailing in Dublin, " Mahon said. "We have set out tourist points showing pictures of the reallife features (the GPO, O'Connell Bridge), so that visitors can learn about the city. We have also included a replica of the Book of Kells in Trinity College, and a representation of the Guinness brewery."

Mahon now earns money from Second Life from rent on properties in the virtual Dublin. Second Life is run by the San Francisco-based Linden Labs and you can register by visiting www. secondlife. com.