Burtonport magician and mentalist Dylan Murray had the experience of a lifetime performing magic for President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin on Saturday.
Dylan was entrusted to make magical memories for families at the official switching on of the Áras an Uachtaráin Christmas lights.
An award-winning magician, Dylan was honoured to be personally invited to the event and to meet the President and his wife Sabina.
Dylan performed a full 35 minute show for the President and over 250 guests in the Hyde room.
After the event, Dylan met with the President who wished him well in his career, and thanked him for being there. Dylan said: “The feeling of walking around the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin, and having the opportunity to get a tour of the building was an incredible once in a lifetime experience.”
He added: “Performing inside of Ireland’s most sacred walls was a feeling, and a moment I will never forget!”
Since his inauguration, President Higgins has made a determined effort to open Áras an Uachtaráin to members of the public, and he has invited countless people and organisations that work on initiatives to promote social change, inclusion and practical solidarity to visit the house and surrounding gardens.
Dylan, aged 25, is the only magician in Irish history to be awarded the prestigious Merlin award twice. Last year he was declared the “The Best Close Up Magician In Ireland” from the International Magicians Society, the world’s largest magic society based in New York. He is also the first Irish person to be awarded an official Masters Degree from the Magic Academy in New York.
