Police cars lead the way as the presidential car arrives on the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. The motorbike escort of honour has altered formation to pass through the narrow gates. While President Kennedy is still in the open-top car, he is now wearing a raincoat. The military, who line the driveway, salute as he and his party pass by. As the rain eases off, President Kennedy is now wearing a hat, which is considered very unusual. However, as they make their final way up the driveway to the house, President Kennedy removes the hat.

The film bus which was previously leading the cavalcade has now dropped way back. Michael O'Hehir describes the relative solitude of Áras an Uachtaráin in comparison to the thronged streets of Dublin. As the car comes to a stop, we get a close-up of President Kennedy from the radio camera. Both presidents pose for the photographers in what turns out to be a very informal photo opportunity. The reporter comments that “this elder statesman stands side by side by the brilliant young statesman of the world”.

“May we express the wish and the hope, indeed the prayer, that the visit of John Fitzgerald Kennedy to Ireland may be a happy and an enjoyable one.”

This clip is taken from the live coverage of President Kennedy’s visit to Ireland.

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