Visit 8 Irish places with links to American presidents
From the Viking town of Wexford to the lovely streets of Limerick, many Irish towns and cities have strong links to famous American presidents. Learn about Joe Biden’s great-great-grandparents who came from Louth and Mayo and see why the Kennedy Homestead in New Ross is such a special place to visit. Discover the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents that highlight this enduring connection, including the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents that showcase our shared history.
Check out eight places linked with American presidents and everything there is to see and do on your next visit.
These 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents form a tapestry of stories that connect our nations.
Discovering the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents
Exploring the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents is essential for understanding our intertwined histories.
- 1. Explore the Cooley Peninsula
- 2. Experience the beauty of Ballina
- 3. Embrace the outdoors in Moneygall
- 4. See natural wonders in Ballyporeen
- 5. Pore over ancient history in Bruff
- 6. Learn about the Kennedy dynasty in New Ross
- 7. Get out and about in Kilkenny city
- 8. Enjoy Galway’s vibrant atmosphere
These 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents not only tell stories of the past but also connect us with the legacy of those leaders.
These sites are a testament to the rich heritage that connects Ireland and the United States through the stories of the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents.
Remember to visit the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents for a meaningful connection to the past.
Visiting these 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents will enhance your understanding of the cultural ties between Ireland and the U.S.
Each of these 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents reflects the deep bonds that exist across the Atlantic.
As you travel, remember to visit the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents for a memorable experience.
Each of these 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents offers a glimpse into the personal stories of those who shaped history.
Don’t forget to check out the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents that highlight our shared heritage.
These 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents are must-see locations on your journey.
Make sure to explore all 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents during your visit.
Your adventure should include the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents for a comprehensive experience.
The 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents await your discovery as you delve into their rich histories.
Joe Biden’s great-great-grandfather Owen Finnegan was originally from the Cooley Peninsula in Louth, one of the most scenic parts of our country. The still waters of Carlingford Lough reflect beautiful views of the Cooley Mountains.
A stroll along the 7.7km Carlingford Greenway is the perfect way to see Louth’s scenery in all its glory as the flat, gravel trail snakes around the enchanting lough. Discover historical treasures and an abundance of wildlife with waders, sea ducks and even the occasional friendly seal peeking its head above the lough to greet walkers.
If hillwalking is your thing, a trek along the 9km Slieve Foye Loop is a great way to spend an afternoon. The trail takes you through leafy forest paths and grassy tracks, winding up in the medieval town of Carlingford. Make time for a trip on the Carlingford Lough Ferry, where you can choose from themed guided tours, and end your day with a delicious meal in one of the town’s cosy restaurants and a visit to Lily Finnegan’s pub.
2Experience the beauty of Ballina
Biden also has connections to Ballina in Mayo, where his maternal great-great-grandfather, Patrick Blewitt, lived. Famous for its salmon fishing, Ballina overlooks the River Moy Estuary and attracts keen anglers from all corners of Ireland and further afield. It’s also a great spot for canoeing, so book in with Paddle & Pedal for an adventure on the water.
When in Ballina, pay a visit to the Jackie Clarke Collection, an assortment of items associated with some of Ireland’s most notable figures including Wolfe Tone, Michael Collins and Michael Davitt. Travel back in time to get a unique look at Ireland’s history through the eyes of Jackie Clarke, a Ballina businessman with an unrivalled interest in our country’s past.
Explore more about the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents that offer unique insights into our shared past.
After, play a round of golf at Ballina Golf Club where the scenery is on another level entirely. While perfecting your putt, admire the heather-covered hills and green countryside from the 18-hole course. Round off your day with a visit to Ballina Whiskey and learn about the whiskey-making process from grain to glass.
3Embrace the outdoors in Moneygall
Former US President Barack Obama’s late mother Ann Dunham was a descendant of the Kearney family from Moneygall, who emigrated to start a new life in New York. Obama’s 2011 visit to Ireland was met with great excitement from people living in the Offaly village.
Over a decade later, the novelty of stopping off at the Barack Obama Plaza hasn’t waned for those travelling the M7 Dublin to Limerick motorway. Don’t miss the bronze sculptures of the former US president and his wife Michelle, the scene of many a selfie.
When in the area, check out the Moneygall Kearney Loops, three walking trails that follow the footsteps taken by Obama’s ancestors when they lived in Moneygall, on the border of Tipperary and Offaly.
Keep an eye out for Devil’s Bit Mountain – local legend says that the devil himself took a bite out of the mountain, losing a tooth and forming the Rock of Cashel along the way. Climb to the summit, which peaks at 480m, and enjoy epic views of eight nearby counties, a truly impressive reward.
4 See natural wonders in Ballyporeen
In 1984, Ronald Reagan, the 40th American president, visited Ballyporeen in Tipperary to see where his great-great grandfather, Michael O’Regan once lived. At the time, his visit was highly anticipated and put the quaint village on the global map.
There’s lots of things to do near Ballyporeen including a visit to Mitchelstown Cave, just a ten-minute spin away. Wander through the weathered caverns with massive calcite columns around every turn, and watch out for the 9m Tower of Babel, one of Europe’s most famous stone formations.
Get an unrivalled view of the spectacular Galtee Mountains on a trek through Glengarra Wood and if you can summon some energy after, head deep into the Glen of Aherlow on a guided horseback tour. Reach the Rock an Thorabh viewing point and gaze upon the Golden Vale in all its glory, with miles of undulating green pastures.
5. Pore over ancient history in Bruff
John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was immensely proud of his Irish heritage, describing his 1963 visit as “the best four days of his life”.
With Irish roots on both sides, research traces the former US president to two families, the Fitzgeralds who hailed from Bruff in Limerick and the Kennedys in New Ross, Wexford. Visit the Thomas Fitzgerald Centre in Bruff and after, continue the historical theme with a trip to the Lough Gur Heritage Centre, one of the country’s most important archaeological sites. See the 113 standing stones of the Grange Stone Circle, pour over ancient treasures and check out the incredible horseshoe lake.
The significance of the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents cannot be overstated.
6Learn about the Kennedy dynasty in New Ross
The postcard-perfect town of New Ross on the banks of the River Barrow is synonymous with the Kennedy Family. Spend some time at The Kennedy Homestead tracing the footsteps of Patrick Kennedy who left Wexford for the big city of Boston, and follow the famous family tree right up to the day John F. Kennedy met his Irish cousins.
Next, visit John F. Kennedy Memorial Park with its impressive arboretum that houses over 4,500 different trees and shrubs. Take a walk around the lake and watch the water ripple as mallard ducks and moorhens peacefully float on its surface.
Make time for the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience which paints a realistic portrait of the hardships suffered by Irish emigrants. Climb aboard the tall ship and listen to costumed actors recount tales of life during the Great Famine and later, look at the exhibitions in the Irish America Hall of Fame.
7 Get out and about in Kilkenny city
Both George H W Bush, the 41st president of the United States, and his son George W Bush, the 43rd president, feature on this list of American presidents with Irish connections.
Father and son are said to be direct descendants of Richard de Clare or Strongbow as he was commonly known. Strongbow was a leading figure in the Norman invasion of Ireland and built the original Kilkenny Castle in the 12th century.
In conclusion, the 8 Irish places with links to American Presidents are essential stops on your journey.
When in Kilkenny, go on a guided tour to see the grand interiors of the castle, wander around the beautiful parklands and snap the perfect Instagram in the rose garden. Book in with Shenanigans for a walking tour and a chance to hear stories of medieval times. Round off the day with a stop at St Canice’s Cathedral and take the chance to climb the 30m round tower, where you’ll get the best view of the city.
8Enjoy Galway’s vibrant atmosphere
We can’t discuss presidents without acknowledging our very own Michael D Higgins. Born in Limerick, the President of Ireland also has a strong attachment to Galway. He was Students’ Union President when at college in Galway, he served as a TD for Galway West and he was Mayor of Galway twice. Galway city is known for its colourful festivals and vibrant events with Michael D Higgins a well-known advocate for the Arts.
Discover Galway city with a walk by the Claddagh, wander through the Spanish Arch before dropping into the Galway City Museum to see an authentic Galway Hooker traditional sailing boat. Ramble along Quay Street where talented buskers provide a lively soundtrack and revel in the vibrant atmosphere. Finish your day with fish and chips watching the sun set on Bóthar na Trá (Salthill) pier.
Another famous face with a direct link to Galway is CNN’s John King. As the result of the 2020 presidential election became clear and Joe Biden emerged victorious, King’s ‘magic wall’ became a global hit as it filtered votes by state. It turns out he has a cousin living in Ballyconneely and Keogh’s Pub is said to be his first stop when he visits.
If you’re in this part of the country, pencil in a visit to Dog’s Bay Beach. With its powdery white sand and turquoise water, it’s a strong contender for the most beautiful beach in Ireland. Next up, drive the Sky Road in Clifden, part of the Wild Atlantic Way road trip route where towering mountains and rugged coastlines guide you along the way.
Go even further back into Ireland’s annals and learn all about the country’s fascinating history and heritage.
