President Higgins hosted a reception marking the 40th Anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman at Áras an Uachtaráin.The Office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints from members of the public who believe they have been unfairly treated by certain public service providers.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-hosts-a-reception-markin…

President Higgins hosted a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin to honour the memory of those who died in the Stardust Tragedy.On Sunday 23 June 2024, President Higgins laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland at a Ceremony of Commemoration in the Garden of Remembrance, for the relatives of the victims, for the survivors and for all those affect…

On the evening of the first day of the 2024 State Visit by H.E. Tô Lâm, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, President and Sabina Higgins hosted a State Dinner in honour of their guest.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-state-dinner-in-honour-of-h.e-to-lam-president-of-the-socialist-republic-of-vietnam…

President Higgins received the Eugene O’Neill International Public Service Award from the New York-based Irish American Writers and Artists Association (IAWA).The President delivered acceptance remarks in a public event held at the Irish Arts Centre on the evening of Monday 23 September.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-receives-the-e…

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins hosted a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin for the athletes who represented Ireland with such distinction at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-reception-for-team-ireland-paris-2024By Áras an Uachtaráin

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins, addressed the UN Summit of the Future at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.Invited to address the UN Summit of the Future by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who has convened the Summit during the High-Level Week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Presiden…

The President and Sabina Higgins received representatives of the Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid Strikers at Áras an Uachtaráin. 19th July is the 40th anniversary of the commencement of the Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid strike, which commenced on 19 July 1984 when Mary Manning refused to handle the sale of grapefruit from South Africa. To mark the anni…

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted a special Presidential Concert, celebrating Irish Music Month 2024.In his speech President Higgins recognised the many different groups, organisations and individual citizens who have contributed so much to Irish music, whether as musicians, songwriters, singers, composers or the many who work in the wider mu…

In the penultimate Garden Party of 2024, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a garden party celebrating the trade union movement.Through the theme of this garden party, President Higgins reflected, and celebrated, the trade union movement all that has been achieved in the long and difficult struggle for workers’ rights in Ireland, and across th…

The theme of the fifth garden party of 2024 was ‘Life Below Water’ – Protecting our Oceans, Sustainable Development Goal 14.The President and Sabina Higgins welcomed members of our communities and activists who are dedicating themselves to fostering a sustainable future for the citizens of Ireland and beyond.In his speech, President Higgins reaffir…

On Tuesday 25 June 2024, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted the fourth in a series of seven garden parties being held at Áras an Uachtarain this summer.In his speech the President highlighted the work of those who have enriched the lives of others and who provide support services and the hand of friendship to those within our society who are i…

On Saturday, 22th June 2024, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Family Day garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin.At the third Garden Party of 2024, President Higgins acknowledged various organisations across different sectors of society all of whom work tirelessly to improve the conditions for families in all their forms.…

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Garden Party celebrating communities in all their diversities. In his speech the President acknowledged members of communities, community groups and activists who are building inclusive communities across Ireland.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-garden-party-celebrating-comm…

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina hosted a Bloomsday Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin.Bloomsday, 16 June 1904, is the date immortalised in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses and named after the book’s protagonist Leopold Bloom. Each year, the President and Sabina commence their series of summer Garden Parties w…

President Higgins has been chosen by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to be the recipient of the organisation’s Agricola Medal.The medal, which bears the Latin name for farmer, is conferred upon international figures who have undertaken outstanding efforts in advancing the cause of global food security, poverty alle…

President Higgins hosted a reception for the Chief Justice and Presidents of the Supreme Courts at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark 100 years since the enactment of the Courts of Justice Act 1924.By Áras an Uachtaráin

President Higgins hosted a dinner for His Excellency, Mr. Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy at Áras an Uachtaráin. The dinner follows the October 2023 meeting between the two Presidents as part of a five-day programme which President Higgins undertook in Rome and the Holy See to coincide with his participation in the 2023 World Food Forum.https…

President Higgins addressed the Annual Dóchas Conference. Dóchas is an Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations Founded from the belief that every human being is fundamentally equal, working to protect and support the most vulnerable in society.This year’s conference titled 'Dóchas at 50: Sustainable Development in a Time of …

President Higgins delivered the inaugural lecture in a new annual series of lectures which will run at the University of Manchester. Titled the John Kennedy Lecture Series, the lectures will run for five years as part of the University’s School of Arts, Languages and Cultures.The title of the inaugural lecture, presented by President Higgins, is ‘O…

President Higgins was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Letters honoris causa by the Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Nazir Afzal OBE, in recognition of his extensive and significant contributions to literature and public life. The citation was read by Professor John McAuliffe, Reader in Modern Literature and Creative Writing and Co…

On Sunday 28 January, President Higgins delivered the keynote address at the Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration.The annual Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration cherishes the memory of all who perished in the Holocaust. It recalls six million Jewish men, women and children and millions of others who were persecuted and murdered by the Nazis becaus…

President Higgins opened the 2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.The event brings together some of the country’s brightest young minds as they compete to take home the title of BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year.By Áras an Uachtaráin

Christmas Message From President Higgins 2023 by Áras an UachtaráinBy Áras an Uachtaráin

Teachtaireacht Na Nollag Ón Uachtarán Ó HUigínn 2023 by Áras an UachtaráinBy Áras an Uachtaráin

On Saturday 9 December, President Michael D. Higgins switched on the Christmas tree lights at Áras an Uachtaráin. Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins welcome families to Áras an Uachtaráin, to be present for the official switching on of the Christmas lights. Since his inauguration, President Higgins has made a determined effort to open Áras…

President Higgins launched Volumes 1 and 2 of collected work from his Machnamh 100 series at a reception in Áras an Uachtaráin.Machnamh 100 is an initiative of President Higgins that builds on his extensive work to date during Ireland’s Decade of Commemorations that has examined and explored seminal events such as the Lockout of 1913, the First Wor…

President Higgins delivered the Economic and Social Research Institute's 2023 Geary Lecture at an event in Áras an Uachtaráin.The Geary lecture is organised each year by the ESRI and honours Dr R. C. Geary (1896 –1983), the first Director of the Institute. Dr Geary is regarded as the most eminent Irish statistician of the twentieth century. Lecture…

President Higgins hosted a special reception to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims at Áras an Uachtaráin where he welcomed a number of family members of those who have tragically lost their lives on the road, as well as committee members of victim’s groups.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-hosts-a-reception-to-mark…

President Higgins delivered a keynote address the Closing Ceremony of the World Food Forum on Friday 20th October.The Closing Ceremony was attended by member Representatives as well as all participants of the World Food Forum including members and those participating in the youth, science and investment forums.The President addressed the topic: "Wh…

President Higgins launched the Ireland and the Birth of Europe exhibition, part of a series of events to mark 50 years of Ireland’s EU membership, at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-opens-exhibition-ireland-and-the-birth-of-europeBy Áras an Uachtaráin

President Higgins held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developin…

On the occasion of President Michael D. Higgins’ visit to Rome, H.E. Patricia O’Brien, Ambassador of Ireland to Italy and H.E. Frances Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to Holy See, hosted a reception at the Villa Spada, the residence of the Ambassador of Ireland to Italy, for selected representatives of the Irish community.https://president.ie/en/dia…

At the invitation of the Director General of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Dr. QU Dongyu, President Higgins delivered a speech at the World Food Forum grand opening ceremony.By Áras an Uachtaráin

At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, President Higgins participated in a meeting of the ‘Arraiolos Group’ of EU Presidents. The meeting was attended by14 non-executive Presidents of European Union member states who discussed contemporary issues.The Arraiolos Group is an informal meeting of Pre…

President Higgins formally opened the National Ploughing Championships, taking place place in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.The President has attended the Ploughing Championships since his inauguration in 2011, and has described the festival as “an outstanding example of the Irish genius” and “the most beloved rendez-vous in Ireland’s rural calendar.”…

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, has participated, at the invitation of Chile’s President, in events taking place in Santiago to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup d’état which overthrew the government of the democratically elected Chilean President Salvador Allende on 11 September 1973.President Higgins, at the request of President…

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, has participated, at the invitation of Chile’s President, in events taking place in Santiago to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup d’état which overthrew the government of the democratically elected Chilean President Salvador Allende on 11 September 1973.President Higgins, at the request of President…

President Higgins presented the Gaisce Gold Awards to young people who have completed their personal development challenges. Gaisce is the President’s awards scheme which aims to foster young people’s potential by encouraging them to set goals in a number of areas and then achieve them. At the awards ceremony the President honoured young people who…

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted special Presidential Concert, celebrating Irish music. The concert was part of a series of Garden Parties at Áras an Uachtaráin, organised by President and Sabina Higgins to celebrate people and organisations who work on themes that the President wishes to highlight.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/presi…

The President and Sabina hosted a garden party marking the 75th anniversary of An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, recognising its critical role as a guardian of Ireland’s heritage.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-garden-party-in-celebration-of-irish-heritageBy Áras an Uachtaráin

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Garden Party celebrating individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in their communities with an emphasis on the importance of sports referees.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-garden-party-recognising-community-groups-2023…

At the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Ricardo Hernández, Ambassador of Chile, President Higgins attended a ceremony in recognition of the Irish Missionaries Fr. Brendan Forde, Fr. Desmond McGillicuddy and Fr. Liam Hollohan, for their humanitarian assistance provided to the people of Chile.By Áras an Uachtaráin

On Saturday, 24th June 2023, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Family Day garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin.At the third Garden Party of 2023, President Higgins acknowledged various organisations across different sectors of society all of whom work tirelessly to improve the conditions for families in all their forms.https://president.ie/en…

On 21 June 2023 the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Garden Party celebrating Women’s Advocacy Groups.https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-garden-party-to-celebrate-womens-advocacy-groups-2023By Áras an Uachtaráin

Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins host a series of Garden Parties, to celebrate the work of people and organisations who have been active in projects and areas that are central to the Presidency of Michael D. Higgins.The Garden Parties continue a tradition established by past Presidents, and over the course of 7 events, the President and …

President Higgins led the 2023 National Famine Commemoration Ceremony in Milford, Donegal.The annual national commemoration revolves between the four provinces of Ireland and this year the event was held in Ulster.By Áras an Uachtaráin

President Higgins hosted a reception celebrating the 20th anniversary of TASC (the Think-tank for Action on Social Change).TASC is an independent think-tank whose mission is to address inequality and sustain democracy by translating analysis into action.By Áras an Uachtaráin

President Higgins invited Mr. de Róiste to Áras an Uachtaráin on 30th March, 2023 in recognition of the apology which Mr. de Róiste received from the Minister for Defence on 7 December 2022, the distress which he has suffered over five decades, and his long pursuit to clear his good name.By Áras an Uachtaráin

To mark he 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the President hosted a special viewing of the Herstory touring exhibition entitled Peace Heroines.Herstory is a multi-disciplinary storytelling platform that illuminates and celebrates female role-models. Peace Heroines aims to highlight the contribution of women to the Northern Ireland peac…

Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins mark St. Patrick's Day by hosting a reception for groups and people that have made a particular contribution to Irish society.This year the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception in Áras an Uachtaráin celebrating the Irish Film, Audio-Visual and Performing Arts Communities.https://president.ie/en…