The recent visit of the President of the United States to Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, as well as to enjoy a private tour exploring a number of places connected with his family roots, shone a global spotlight on the island of Ireland and the many wonderful places to see there – both north and south of the border. Why not plan your own adventure to the Emerald Isle?

Stormont in Belfast, home of the Northern Ireland Assembly © Chris Hill

President Biden began his tour in Belfast, the lively capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast has become a popular destination for visitors from all over the world since the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1997, bringing an end to much of the violence associated with The Troubles - a 30-year sectarian conflict.

The iconic twin cranes – Samson and Goliath – of the former Harland and Wolff Shipyard symbolise to this day the industrial past of Northern Ireland. It was here that Titanic was built and launched, and Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art museum telling the story of the ill-fated liner.

Samson and Goliath dominate the Belfast skyline (photo courtesy of Hastings Hotel Group)

Crumlin Road Gaol has become a popular visitor attraction revealing life inside one the country’s most notorious prisons, and a taxi tour of the Peace Wall in Belfast is an eye-opening way to discover more about the division and conflict that once racked the city. The wonderful Waterfront area is perfect for a leisurely stroll and Belfast City Hall and St George’s Market are two landmarks which should not be missed.

Titanic Belfast (photo courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland)

Proceeding south from Belfast to the town of Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland, President Biden called at historic Carlingford Castle. The imposing remains of the 12th century castle look down on the tranquil beauty of Carlingford Lough.

Carlingford Castle © Tourism Ireland

The President received a rapturous welcome in Dundalk, close to where a branch of his family still lives, and from where one of his great-great-great-grandfathers departed for America in 1849. He visited McAteer’s Food House, a restaurant and deli renowned for its delicious fresh, locally-sourced Irish fare, and no visit to Ireland would be complete without a visit to at least one traditional Irish pub – The Windsor in Dundalk served the purpose for President Biden’s selfie!

Moving on to Dublin for official engagements, the President spent time at Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland in Phoenix Park – the wonderful scenic parkland to the west of the city centre, which boasts its own herd of fallow deer – a remnant of its 17th century origins as a Royal Hunting Park. Twice the size of Central Park in New York, the park is well worth a visit, and Áras an Uachtaráin, which is open to the public every Saturday, is not to be missed as it is said to have inspired Irish-born architect James Hoban’s design for the White House in the United States.

Walking in Phoenix Park (photo courtesy of Dylan Vaughan)

The President concluded his time in Dublin with a banquet at Dublin Castle. Once the headquarters of the British administration in Ireland, the 13th century castle is now home to government offices as well as being a major tourist attraction and popular location for events and conferences. Guided tours of the castle are available each day and the castle welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Discover the story of the castle from the excavation site of Viking and medieval Dublin to the Gothic Chapel Royal and the splendour of the former viceregal State Apartments.

Find out more of our suggestions about what to enjoy on a visit to Dublin.

Dublin Castle © Tourism Ireland

President Biden ended his tour of Ireland with a visit to Ballina in County Mayo. The wild, romantic west coast is home to the unforgettable Wild Atlantic Way, which hugs the rugged coastline, and County Mayo itself is the location of Wild Nephin National Park, an incredible unspoilt wilderness.

Ballina, Co Mayo (photo courtesy of Anne-Marie Flynn)

Ballina was the birthplace of President Biden’s great-great-great-grandfather Edward Blewitt and the President visited a heritage and genealogy centre in nearby Crossmolina to learn more. Edward Blewitt was an engineer who emigrated with his wife to the USA in the 1850s and who helped to plan and build Scranton in Pennsylvania, where the President grew up and which is now twinned with Ballina.

St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, Co Mayo (photo courtesy of Anne-Marie Flynn)

President Biden gave a speech outside St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina’s most recognisable landmark, which is splendidly situated on the banks of the River Moy. He then proceeded to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock, a Catholic shrine, on his own personal pilgrimage.

Reflecting on the tour, President Biden said that his trip had embodied the Irish phrase céad míle fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes – and we know that our travellers to Ireland feel exactly the same.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Ireland, perhaps as part of a genealogy tour to trace your ancestors, or to experience a religious pilgrimage, please do contact our friendly team today.