Barack Obama to receive Freedom of the City of Dublin in private ceremony

Former US president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama enjoy a glass of Guinness in his ancestral home of Moneygall, on May 23, 2001 in Moneygall, Ireland. Picture: Irish Government - Pool /Getty Images

Former US president Barack Obama will receive the Freedom of the City of Dublin on Thursday.

Sources on Dublin City Council said it will likely be a private event, attended by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam, other group leaders, and senior council staff.