Here's what Will and Kate are doing on their trip to Ireland
Mar 4, 2020 • 2 min read
William and Kate with Michael D and Sabina Higgins © Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting Ireland for three days on a royal visit, and are due to take in Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Galway as part of their first trip together to the Irish Republic.
They have embarked on what Kensington Palace described as a programme to take in the country's "rich culture, its impactful community and spectacular scenery."
William and Kate touched down at Dublin Airport, where they were greeted by the British ambassador to Ireland, Robin Barnett, and headed straight to the presidential residence, Áras an Uachtaráin.
They met with President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina, and enjoyed a special appearance by their dog Bród. They also rang the Peace Bell and signed the visitors' book. William and Kate then visited the Garden of Remembrance, which is dedicated to those who gave their lives for Irish independence. The royal pair attended a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony there, which was appropriate to the theme of their trip.
"The visit will focus on the relationship between the two countries and build on the theme of remembrance and reconciliation," Kensington Palace said. The royal couple took a trip to Government Buildings to meet the country's prime minister, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and his boyfriend Matt Barrett.
This was followed by a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where they were given a personal lesson in the art of pouring a pint of Guinness by master brewer Fergal Murray. They shared a pint of Guinness at the historic Dublin brewery of the Irish stout during a reception hosted by Robin Barnett in the 17th floor Gravity Bar. They met people from the creative arts, sport, business and charity sectors at the famous visitor attraction.
They royals are to visit Temple Bar and Howth in Dublin on their second day in the capital. They will also visit Meath and Kildare, and will end their three-day visit in Galway, which is the 2020 European Capital of Culture. William and Kate are following in the footsteps of the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, all of whom have visited Ireland in recent years.
