Gallery: Xi Jinping's visit to Ireland

Updated: 13:00, Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping spent three days visiting Ireland. View some of the images from his trip.

  • Xi Jinping arrived at Shannon Airport on a flight from the US
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    Xi Jinping arrived at Shannon Airport on a flight from the US

  • The future Chinese leader was met by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore
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    The future Chinese leader was met by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore

  • Shannon Development CEO Vincent Cunnane greeted Mr Xi at the group's head office
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    Shannon Development CEO Vincent Cunnane greeted Mr Xi at the group's head office

  • The large travelling party then moved on to Bunratty Castle, where Neil Carey played the pipes
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    The large travelling party then moved on to Bunratty Castle, where Neil Carey played the pipes

  • Finance Minister Michael Noonan was also present for a traditional musical treat
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    Finance Minister Michael Noonan was also present for a traditional musical treat

  • On day two, Mr Xi visited the farm of James Lynch in Sixmilebridge and had a calf named after him
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    On day two, Mr Xi visited the farm of James Lynch in Sixmilebridge and had a calf named after him

  • Xi Jinping samples an Irish coffee during his visit to the farm
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    Xi Jinping samples an Irish coffee during his visit to the farm

  • Mr Xi watches hurley maker John Torpey in action at Croke Park
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    Mr Xi watches hurley maker John Torpey in action at Croke Park

  • Out on the pitch, he tried his hand at Ireland's national sport
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    Out on the pitch, he tried his hand at Ireland's national sport

  • He then tried the bigger ball game, with a little more success
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    He then tried the bigger ball game, with a little more success

  • Taoiseach Enda Kenny hosted official talks at Dublin Castle
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    Taoiseach Enda Kenny hosted official talks at Dublin Castle

  • A number of trade and education deals were signed during the visit
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    A number of trade and education deals were signed during the visit

  • A visit to Áras an Uachtaráin began day three
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    A visit to Áras an Uachtaráin began day three

  • It was then on to a trade forum at Kilmainham Hospital
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    It was then on to a trade forum at Kilmainham Hospital

  • Xi Jinping offered Enda Kenny a chance to visit China later this year
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    Xi Jinping offered Enda Kenny a chance to visit China later this year