Obama to visit Ireland - and find his roots
After meeting new Taoiseach Enda Kenny in the White House, Barack Obama joked he would search for the roots of his "great, great, great, great, great grandfather" when he tours the Republic later this year.
Records suggest that the president does indeed have an Irish ancestor - a shoemaker from the village of Moneygall in Co Offaly whose son set sail for America in the mid-19th century. Wearing a green tie for his one-on-one with Mr Kenny, Mr Obama announced his attention to visit Ireland in May. Mr Obama congratulated Mr Kenny on his "historic victory" earlier this month, adding that there remained an "incredible bond" between the two countries.
The hosting of Irish leaders has been a long-standing tradition of the White House. It is usually accompanied by the handing over of a bowl of shamrocks to the US president.