1963 - President John F. Kennedy visits Ireland, June 1963

John F. Kennedy became the first serving American president to visit Ireland. From his motorcade though Dublin to his departure from Shannon airport just four days later, he was greeted by huge crowds wherever he went. As a descendant of Famine immigrants, Kennedy’s visit was a landmark moment in the history of Irish-American relations, further cementing the relationship between the two countries.

He is reported to have said that those four days were the best in his life. Just five months later he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, changing the course of history.

Images courtesy: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, Boston