Obama begins visit to Ireland
US President Barack Obama has touched down at Dublin Airport for an official visit to Ireland.
Air Force One landed amid tight security and wet, blustery conditions just after 9.30am.
President Obama was greeted on the tarmac outside Air Force One by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and the US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney.
At the start of a packed schedule today, President Obama and his wife Michelle are set to travel by helicopter to Áras an Uachtaráin to visit President McAleese.
He will then meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny at Farmleigh in Dublin, before making the much-anticipated trip to Moneygall in Co Offaly, home of his ancestors.
Mr Obama waved as he stepped off the plane with his wife, Michelle.
The visit lacked the ceremony of last week’s State visit of the Queen, with only a small welcoming party waiting on the runway apron to greet the President and shake hands.
The Obamas immediately boarded helicopter Marine One to travel the few miles to Áras an Uachtaráin.
Airspace around Dublin has been shut down for the President’s arrival and transfer over the city.
