Biden Returns "Home" to Ireland During Cross-Country Return to Homeland

President Biden in Dundalk, Ireland, where he participated in a community gathering before dropping by a local pub and greeting members of the community (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz).

“If you’ll forgive the poor attempt at Irish: Ta me sa bhaile,” Biden said. “I’m at home.”

Article by Cate McCusker, Senior White House Correspondent

DUBLIN - Biden departed Washington for Belfast on Tuesday, April 11, to start his four day trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland.

In Belfast, Biden met Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister. He also delivered a speech at Ulster University on Wednesday, before departing for Dublin that evening.

On Thursday, Biden met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of the Fine Gael party. According to the White House, the pair “discussed U.S.-Irish cooperation on a range of global issues, including food security, the challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China, and our continued support for Ukraine.”

Biden also addressed the Oireachtas on Thursday, becoming the fourth United States President to address the body, including John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. Biden’s Irish roots were a main point of his trip, and during his speech, Biden emphasized his connection to Ireland.

“If you’ll forgive the poor attempt at Irish: Ta me sa bhaile,” he said. “I’m at home.”