A Welcoming Home

Students of Scoil Chill Ruadháin Brooklodge visiting Áras an Uachtaráin, May 2019

Since his first inauguration in 2011, and again at the beginning of his second term, President Higgins made it clear that he wants to use his Presidency to promote greater reflection on the challenges facing Irish society – and greater ambition in addressing them.

By hosting events at Áras an Uachtaráin, the President has sought to celebrate the work and achievements of individuals and organisations that represent the type of action that the President believes is now required.

The groups and people that the President has invited to his home have in common that they are using their energy and resources to build a better Ireland, in which everyone is included and cared for, and where all citizens are invited to take part in the decisions that affect them. In the past year, the President hosted more than 150 public receptions and seminars for organisations and citizens groups. Details of all these events are available on the President’s website, www.president.ie

The President also invited hundreds of people to private meetings at Áras an Uachtaráin, for discussions on their experiences and to encourage them to continue their activities.

The President also travels in Ireland, to visit organisations that play an important role in society. During 2019, the President attended some 230 such public events across Ireland. The majority of these events were acknowledging the achievements of local or national community organisations, highlighting the importance of education and youth empowerment, or celebrating cultural or historic events. The President also attended 128 State or ceremonial events.