'Thrilled to be here': Obamas in Áras as visit kicks off

US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have arrived in Ireland for their whistlestop 24-hour visit.

President Mary McAleese greeted President Obama at the front steps of the Áras, after the first couple and their entourage travelled to the Phoenix Park from a wet and windy Dublin Airport.

“Thank you so much. We’re thrilled to be here,” he said.

Despite the grey skies, the President remarked: “The sun’s coming out – I can feel it.”

He signed the visitor’s book before holding private talks in the drawing room of the Áras.