merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is pictured with President Barack Obama at the traditional shamrock ceremony, after President Obama confirmed his intention to visit Ireland in May. The President expressed his intention to visit Ireland during a meeting with the Taoiseach at the Oval Office earlier in the day.

The President spoke of visiting Moneygall, in County Offaly, where records have shown his ancestors lived:

I wanted to say today that I intend to come to Ireland in May, and I'm expecting to go not only to all the famous sites but also to Moneygall, where my great-great-great-great-great grandfather hails from. Joe Biden is envious because he wants to go first.

The Taoiseach presented President Obama with a bowl of shamrocks to mark the occasion of St Patrick's Day, after a reception at the White House where both leaders, as well as Vice-President Joe Biden made speeches. 

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said of the President's upcoming visit to Ireland:

The news of your decision to visit Ireland in May has reverberated around the world already

President Obama spoke of the links between Ireland and America:

Every year at this time we're reminded just how many strands of green are woven into our American story...In many ways, what it means to be Irish helped define what it means to be American...In the years ahead may our sons and daughters only grow closer