A purpose-built hospice for Wicklow looks set to become a reality after a fundraiser at the 'Lincoln' premiere in Dublin yesterday raised €250,000.

Organisers are still counting their takings.

But they say that is what they expect to raise when everything is taken into account.

It comes after Oscar-nominated actor and Wicklow resident Daniel Day-Lewis brought members of the cast of the movie to the capital for its European debut.

The film is due for public release on Friday January 25th.

Gala ball & auction

The film is partially based on Lincoln, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Stephen Spielberg were among those who attended a screening at the Savoy Cinema.

Hundreds gathered on O'Connell Street yesterday to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood stars.

This was followed by a gala ball at which props from the film were auctioned.

Steven Spielberg said it was a pleasure to visit Daniel's hometown and also admitted that he has "privately...fallen in love" with Ireland.