Barack Obama’s visit to Ireland – to his ancestral roots in Moneygall –
American President Barack Obama will arrive in Ireland on Monday 23rd May.
During the visit he will address 5,000 people outside the schoolhouse where his ancestors were educated in Moneygall, Co Offaly.
For security reasons, there will be no parking in the Phoenix Park, from Sun 15th to Wed 25th May.
Obama’s visit to Ireland will last a little over 24 hours, with the president arriving on the morning of Monday, May 23rd, and departing the following morning for London, where he is due to start a state visit to Britain at 12.30pm that day.
His visit will come just a few days after the Queen is coming to Ireland – making it a busy and expensive time for the Gardai and security forces.
The Hotels and Guesthouses near Moneygall will probably be fully booked – but you could check availability here at Accommodation Ireland.
President Barack Obama will make be a formal visit to meet Irish President Mary McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister (Taoiseach ) Enda Kenny (probably at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park). Later he will visit the village of Moneygall, Co Offaly, the home place of his maternal ancestors. Obama is then expected to return to Dublin where he will stay before heading to Britain the next day.
On Monday evening, President Obama will speak at a free, open-air concert at College Green in Dublin, where a number of Irish artists will perform.
This event will be open to members of the public, is free of charge and tickets will not be required.