THOUGH more associated with his roots in Africa, Barack Obama is one in a long line of US presidents with Irish roots.

Barack Obama has said he intends to visit Ireland in May.

Ireland's US ambassador is expected to speak with US President Barack Obama within weeks about a possible visit to his ancestral home in Co Offaly, it emerged tonight.

Barack Obama’s ancestral Irish homestead could be transformed into a museum or heritage centre to welcome the President-elect to Ireland should he visit in the future.

A small Irish village is getting ready for an official visit from the most powerful man in the world.

BEFORE last year, the most famous descendant of Moneygall, Co Offaly, was Papillon, the horse that won the Aintree Grand National in 2000.

The Offaly village of Moneygall - home to Barack Obama’s ancestors - threw a celebration party tonight in a local pub in anticipation of his victory in the US presidential election.

US presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s ancestry has been traced back to a shoemaker in a small Irish village.

THE Clintons are not noted for inhaling, but the latest news of Barack Obama’s Irish roots must have been met with more than a sharp intake of breath.