US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden travelled to Boston today for the official opening of a new institute dedicated to the late US Senator Edward Kennedy.
Senator Kennedy, a lifelong friend of Ireland, died in 2009 having served 47 years as a US Senator.
The memorial building is located on the University of Massachusetts campus, beside his brother John F Kennedy's Presidential Library.
President Obama delivered a keynote address. Vice President Joe Biden, Republican Senators John McCain and Mitch McConnell and Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh were also due take part in the dedication ceremony.
The new institute features a full-size replica of the US Senate Chamber that will be used for education purposes but today it played host to a special session of current and past senators and students.
Edward Kennedy's widow Vicky and many other members of the Kennedy family were also in attendance.
The Government was represented at the dedication by Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan.
Last night Minister Flanagan spoke of the strong ties between Ireland and the Kennedy family at a gala dinner, the only foreign dignitary invited to speak at the opening events.
