Five things Barack Obama should do on his trip to Ireland
The former US President will take to the stage at the 3Arena for an intimate one-on-one interview with journalist Fintan O'Toole.
The 63-year-old has long been a fan of all things Ireland, with his Irish ancestry a point of pride and curiosity particularly during his 2011 Presidential visit. Barack Obama is back in Ireland in September as part of a one-night-only interview series. Pic:The father-of-two has also often name-checked Irish artists such as Sally Rooney and Hozier after enjoying their work.
While Obama will likely only be making a quick trip to Dublin, there's plenty for the former US President to do if his trip ends up being longer…
The former President releases his favourite songs, movies and books of the year annually via social media with last year seeing Dublin rock band Fontaines DC lauded.
Elsewhere, Hozier was named one of his faves, with Obama taking a particular like to the Wicklow singer's song Too Sweet. The former President releases his favourite songs, movies and books of the year annually via social media with last year seeing Dublin rock band Fontaines DC lauded by Obama. Pic: PA Images
'Check them out if you're looking to shake up your playlist,' Obama said alongside the list of his favourite tracks of 2024.
What better way to kickstart a trip in Ireland than with a performance from one of his favourite Irish artists.
Unfortunately, neither Fontaines DC or Hozier are playing in the capital in September, but we daresay if Obama got on the phone they would be quick to get a secret gig organised. Unfortunately, neither Fontaines DC or Hozier are playing in the capital in September, but we daresay if Barack Obama got on the phone they would be quick to get a secret gig organised. Pic:Obama's Irish links trace back to the small village of Moneygall, where his great-great-great-grandfather Falmouth Kearney emigrated from in 1831.
During his 2011 Presidential trip, Obama famously sipped a pint of Guinness in Moneygall, solidifying himself as one of them — they even built a petrol station in his honour just off the M7 motorway.
The Barack Obama Plaza opened in 2014 features a petrol station and shop, number of fast food outlets, visitor centre and a life-size state of Obama and his wife, Michelle. During his 2011 Presidential trip, Barack Obama famously sipped a pint of Guinness in Moneygall, solidifying himself as one of them — they even built a petrol station in his honour just off the M7 motorway. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland
Last year, Obama also gave Irish author Sally Rooney a shout-out for her new release Intermezzo, which he said was one of his favourite books of the year. Sally appears to be becoming a firm fave with Obama, who listed her debut novel Normal People one of his favourite books of 2019 way back when.
While we're not sure if the former US President has watched the TV adaptation, perhaps he could get inside the mindset of Marianne Sheridan with a trip to Trinity College Dublin, the college she attended following secondary school.
Not only is Trinity out of one of Obama's favourite books, it's also a beautiful place to visit while in Dublin. Not only is Trinity out of one of Obama's favourite books, it's also a beautiful place to visit while in Dublin. Pic: Getty Images
From one beloved President to another…. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins finishes up his role in office later this year. The 84-year-old has served the maximum of two terms so cannot seek re-election.
Similarly, Obama served as President of the US from 2009 to 2017, so might be able to lend the outgoing Irish President some words of wisdom on his retirement from office.
Perhaps, the American man can advise President Higgins on some American music and books to get stuck into during his retirement. From one beloved President to another…. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins finishes up his role in office later this year. The 84-year-old has served the maximum of two terms so cannot seek re-election. Pic: Gareth Chaney Collins
Having had a pint of the black stuff when he visited in 2011, we know Obama is a fan of Guinness. Perhaps if he has some down time he might be able to check out one of Dublin's cheapest pints.
Earlier this year, Diageo revealed they were increasing the price of pints for a fourth time in just two years.
Among the Dublin hot spots still selling a pint of the stout for less than a fiver is the Auld Triangle on Dorset Street.
An Evening with President Barack Obama will see the former president speak about his time in the White House and what's next for the US of A.
The one night only show is the perfect chance for people to hear from one of the most transformative leaders of our time, as he shares messages of hope, resilience and the power of lifting one another up.
Tickets for the events go on sale at 10am on Thursday 10 July, with 100 tickets set aside in each city for charitable organisations.
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