Joe Biden's Louth itenerary

Mr Biden will visit his ancestral home on the Cooley Peninsula in Co Louth later this afternoon.

His Irish family roots stretch back to the Finnegan family from Whitestown, who emigrated to America during famine times.

It is expected that President Biden will touch down in Cooley in the late afternoon, after spending the morning at engagements in Northern Ireland and flying into Dublin.

This will be his third trip to Co Louth, following previous visits in 2016 and 2017.

Once in Louth, President Biden will be exploring his Irish heritage during a tour of Carlingford Castle.

The Norman castle, widely known as King John's Castle, has an interesting history and lies in the shadow of Slieve Foye, the mountain that legend says takes its form from the body of the sleeping giant Finn MacCumhaill.

His great great grandfather Owen Finnegan emigrated to America during famine times in 1849, and his wife and children, including Joe Biden's great grandfather James Finnegan followed a year later.

Viewing platforms at the castle have a spectacular vantage point over Carlingford Harbour and Carlingford Lough.

From there, Mr Biden may have an opportunity to visualise the journey his ancestors would have made as they set sail on Carlingford Lough into the Irish sea heading for America.

Later this evening, the presidential visit to Louth will conclude in the heart of Dundalk where the public will have an opportunity to see the American President.

Mr Biden will do a "walkabout" along Clanbrassil street in the centre of town, where large crowds are expected to greet him.

Those planning to attend are asked to be in place by 5.30pm this evening and not to bring any bags.

(Photo: A view of the church ruins and Kilwirra cemetery, where the relatives of US President Joe Biden are buried)