When at a large event, one really should not question 1. Comfortable seating or 2. Free booze, and particularly not 3. All of the above together. It was, however, slightly disconcerting for the Managing Editor of this establishment to find himself sat in the “Ladies Pampering Zone” at a “Toys for Big Boys” show, no matter how much free continental hooch was on offer.

I suppose that image sort of sums up the show running in Dublin’s RDS this weekend – it’s a self-professed lads show, and yes one will not have to look far before spotting the 103” Plasma TV upon walking in the door ; explore far to find the really, really expensive and fast cars, or think hard before considering that yes, yes that is a worrying amount of airsoft and military fancy dress to see crammed in under the one roof. But really, the Toys for Big Boys show has a bit of something for everyone, not just the lads.

Nobody can tell us that hot tubs, gizmo-equipped showers or comfortable audio-system entertainment chairs are the sole purview of the man with cash in his pocket to burn. Certainly then nobody can say that a stand, located within spitting distance of a military model hobbyists shop and two airsoft booths, selling Bourjois Paris makeup at knockdown prices is seeking to attract all those late-twenty’s male professionals who never quite outgrew their mothers makeup drawer.

Click Here to check out our full image gallery from the Toys 4 Big Boys Show.

So then, the show has something for everyone, but the main attractions will naturally be male-dominated. In evidence are booths catering to men from across the spectrum, and as you walk in the front door of the RDS you are met with two light aircraft and a special deal on flying lessons. Battle your way in and as you pass the giant TV’s and home audio systems, get distracted by an Apple store (score me one copy of Leopard !) you’ll encounter GPS satnav systems by the dozen until you reach the next part of the RDS, which contains cars too expensive for you not to be able to rightly expect them to come with their own built-in GPS, and maybe a free model to ride around in it with you.

On show is the brand new Lotus 211, Exige & Europa, as well as the Toyota F1 simulator and supercars including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Ford GT40, BMW M3 and the Ferarri 599.

Out back one can pose for pictures with various big vehicles, the main attractions naturally being the T-55 that featured in Goldeneye riding around St. Petersburg (something we’ve all imagined doing in a tank at some point, I’m sure) ; and a fully restored Chieftain alongside (because it’s Ireland) some tractors. There is also a paintball shooting range to add to the timid violence permeating events.

There is entertainment in the form of a Quad Bike Stunt Show, boxing matches and a mechanical bull to swing around on, among others, in the Live hall. Food is your usually well-priced event stuff, and Guinness should never, for the record, be served in a plastic Budweiser cup. Just shouldn’t happen.

The show runs in the RDS main hall from Friday 9 until Sunday 11, opening 2pm – 10pm Friday and 10am – 7pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are €16.00 for adults, €10.00 for kids, €8.00 for OAPs and €45.00 for families, and there is a 20 percent discount if you book online from the Toys 4 Big Boys website.