Day One – July 10
After touching down in Dublin Airport, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Government Buildings on Merrion Street, where they met with Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar.
That evening, they attended a garden party at Glencairn, the British Ambassador’s Residence, where they met Ireland rugby legend, Brian O’Driscoll; writer and broadcaster, Sinead Burke; and Simon Coveney TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade.
Addressing the reception, His Royal Highness said: "I have the greatest confidence that the friendship, collaboration and mutual understanding that our two countries have built up over the years will endure and it will grow."
Day Two – July 11
On Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess travelled to Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park to meet President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina. The royal couple rang the Peace Bell, which was designed to mark the 10th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement.
Their next stop was Croke Park, a state-of-the-art stadium, which is home to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). This great amateur sporting organisation has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years and promotes Gaelic games, Ireland’s indigenous sports, which include Gaelic football, hurling, camogie, handball and rounders.
The Duke and Duchess were given a tour of the stadium and enjoyed speaking to players and watching them in action. They also met young Gaelic football players and learned about the skill and dedication involved in playing these fast-paced games.
Trinity College Dublin is a tranquil oasis at the heart of the city centre, with a charming mix of cobblestone courtyards and lush green lawns. Founded in the 16th century, it boasts many distinguished alumni including Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and former Presidents of Ireland, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese.
The Duke and Duchess were given a tour of Trinity College’s Old Library by Provost and President, Dr Patrick Prendergast and College Librarian, Helen Shenton. The main chamber, known as the Long Room, is one of Europe’s most extensive libraries, housing over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books. A standout moment of the tour was visiting the famous Book of Kells – one of the most beautifully illuminated ancient manuscripts in the world.
Before continuing on their tour of Dublin, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex got a taste of Ireland's exciting contemporary cuisine today at Delahunt restaurant on Camden Street.
A sombre visit to the Famine Memorial was next for the royal couple. Situated on Custom House Quay by the River Liffey, this haunting set of sculptures honours the lives lost during the Great Famine (1845-1849). During these difficult times, many Irish people left their homeland and settled all across the globe – it’s said the Irish diaspora now totals 70 million.
Accompanying the Duke and Duchess on their visit here was sculptor, Rowan Gillespie, and Dr Mike Murphy, author of Atlas of the Great Irish Famine.
The royal couple rounded off their visit with a tour of EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, in the historic vaults of the CHQ Building at Custom House Quay. This exciting visitor experience explores the history of Ireland's diaspora in brilliant interactive detail, unearthing the inspiring journeys of over 10 million people who left Ireland's shores throughout history.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex greeted members of the public who had gathered outside the building before embarking on a tour of the museum with EPIC’s Founder and Chairman, Neville Isdell, and Deputy Museum Director, Jessica Traynor.