Irish Visits in the Works for Biden and Obamas

Following his induction into the Irish America Hall of Fame (see more coverage here), it’s only fitting that Vice President Joe Biden should pay a visit to the home of his Finnegan and Blewitt ancestors.

The vice president confirmed that he would be visiting Ireland some time this year at an Irish brunch he held in March for Taoiseach Enda Kenny, in honor of St. Patrick’s day. Taoiseach Kenny was thrilled with the announcement and invited Biden for a friendly round of golf. “I am very glad to hear you say you are coming to Ireland this year,” he said. “Just to say that publicly for those of you down there in the Fourth Estate: Biden is on his way. . . . We hope that we can have a little round on the golf course if we get an opportunity.”

According to the Irish Independent, the trip is being planned for August. Biden will likely be bringing his grandchildren, and the family may stay in Ireland as long as a week. Dublin and Mayo, where the vice president’s Blewitt ancestors lived, are said to already be part of the itinerary, and Co. Louth, home of his Finnegan line, is also under consideration.

Ireland may receive visitors from the White House even earlier in the summer. The Irish Times reports that plans are in the works for First Lady Michelle Obama to travel to Ireland with her daughters on June 17 and 18 while the president attends the G8 summit of world leaders across the border at Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh. Dublin and Moneygall, Co. Offaly, birthplace of the president’s ancestor Falmouth Kearney, will be likely stops on their tour.