US President Joe Biden paid a visit to a delicatessen while in Dundalk, Co Louth.
Staff in McAteers The Food House lined behind the counter as Mr Biden and Tánaiste Micheál Martin were introduced to them during the visit to the town.
He made the visit as thousands of people lined the streets outside, eager to catch a glimpse of the US President.
White House reporter at the Washington Post Matt Viser reported that President Biden said: "I don't know why the hell my ancestors left. It's beautiful here."
Owners of the deli, Jerome McAteer and Bobby Wain, said they serve "simple fresh food" with their "own brand of joy and friendly service".
They said they "consider ourselves totally inclusive, where all are welcome regardless of age, nationality or gender". But added: "If you're a dog, just come on in, you dine for free".
In a statement they said: "We are a gay married couple, together 25 years, and dogs and their welfare is our passion."
Bobby is also a volunteer Director of Dundalk Dog Rescue and its current chairman.
The rescue charity has also recently completed building a new modern centre.
US President Joe Biden paid a visit to McAteers The Food House while in Dundalk, Co Louth | Follow more updates: https://t.co/CQJyxIPzTK pic.twitter.com/WrSE6ZWF60
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) April 12, 2023
Mr Biden is particularly known for visiting ice cream shops during campaign stops in towns he visits.
Meanwhile, Irish relatives of the US President gathered at The Windsor Bar on Dublin Street in Dundalk to hear remarks from him.
Those in attendance included Mr Biden's 4th cousin John Owen Finnegan and 5th cousin Andrea McEvitt, who are both from Co Louth.
Other invited guests including local TDs Ged Nash of Labour, Ruairí Ó Murchú from Sinn Féin and Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick.
Crowds also lined the street outside the bar.
Irish relatives of the US President, including 4th and 5th cousins, have gathered at The Windsor Bar in Dundalk to hear remarks from Joe Biden. Other invited guests here too including local TDs. Crowds have also lined the street outside @RTENews pic.twitter.com/aci9pFm1xG
— Fergal O'Brien (@FergalOBrien_) April 12, 2023
