President Michael D Higgins departed Áras an Uachtaráin as his term as President of Ireland came to an end.
Members of the Sanctuary Runners group lined the avenue outside the Phoenix Park residence as President Higgins and his wife left the residence.
They presented President Higgins with two yellow roses representing friendship and joy.
The president is a patron of the group, which brings locals and migrants together through jogging in communities around the country.
President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina have departed from Áras an Uachtaráin ahead of the conclusion of his term of office as the ninth President of Ireland at midnight tonight. As the President and Sabina left, members of the Sanctuary Runners applauded them pic.twitter.com/mzSZ3ZaTO7
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 10, 2025
In a statement ahead of the conclusion of his term, President Higgins said: "Serving as President of Ireland was a great privilege and I would like to thank the people of Ireland for the warmth of reception which they gave to both Sabina and myself over the past 14 years.
"How valuable it was to be able to join with them in engaging with the issues, projects and ideas that will help us to achieve the best of our country and the best representation of Ireland and its values abroad - an inclusive citizenship and a creative society in a real Republic.
"Guím gach beannacht do mhuintir na hÉireann do'n todhchaí."
Earlier, the portrait of President Higgins was taken down from its central position just inside the main entrance door to Leinster House.
The portrait was moved to Áras an Uachtaráin and it is likely that a portrait of President Catherine Connolly will be put on display in Leinster House at some point in the future.
In the short period leading up to Ms Connolly's inauguration in Dublin Castle, the presidential duties fell to a commission made up of Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Mark Daly.
Read more:
Activism and opinions were the hallmarks of Higgins' presidency
Timeline: How the presidential inauguration will unfold
