Speaking to the Sunday Tribune at the sun-soaked venue yesterday, organiser John Reynolds said he now hoped to bring the event to the castle's 18th-century walled garden on a yearly basis.

"This is the second year and, like everything, it takes two or three years for a festival to find its feet, " Reynolds said. "If it all goes well, it'll be an annual event after this year."

The good weather was a major factor in the festival's success, with Reynolds estimating that around 7,000 people were in attendance.

"I got a text message from someone saying we were truly lucky we didn't have it last weekend, " he said, "but it's all good and obviously the weather is fantastic."

Site manager Robbie Butler said:

"Everything is going brilliantly and the weather has played a huge part." He estimated that some 20,000 pints would be served to those in attendance.

Garden Party got off to a scorching start in the early afternoon yesterday with temperatures hitting 25�C. The dance music event, held within the confines of the castle's walled garden, featured Pet Shop Boys and Hot Chip, along with homegrown talent from Donnnacha Costello, Le Bien, and Pod DJs from the Backlash and Bodytonic collectives.

But it wasn't all about the music - Ballinlough's orchard featured an enchanted playground with magicians and fire-eaters, while the Rose Garden hosted the Candy visual arts performance group. For those who wanted to step away from the madness of the dance tent, a holistic haven contained therapists, while the Second Nature Village showcased art installations. And if that wasn't highbrow enough, the pond area of the garden saw cellists and violinists play for a good-natured crowd.

Rachel Healy, 22, from Dundalk said: "It's off the hook, man. The weather is just brilliant."

When groups of people were asked whom they were most looking forward to seeing, everyone chorused "Hot Chip".

"I came here for the food but I'm staying for the music, " said Zach Halley, 22, from Waterford.

The only major concern at the festival was the threat of sunburn and sunstroke. Minor seizures of drugs from indiscreet revellers were occasionally evident at the festival entrance, and there was a visible though relaxed garda presence.

A speedboat also patrolled the lake in the grounds next to the campsite in case any revellers felt like cooling off. "I think this is going to be the best day of the summer - Ireland says 'yes' to global warming, " said Claire O'Connor, 25, from Dundalk.

The next big draw of the summer is Ireland's largest festival, Oxegen, which takes place at Punchestown racecourse in Co Kildare next month.