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
My Great uncle Jack (John) Kennedy from Violet Hill Bradford set off to meet his “cousin” in 1963 at Shannon airport. I remember seeing an article from a newspaper of them shaking hands at that time but try as I might cannot get a copy. My uncle was most insistent they were cousins either correct or his thoughts.