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LAST UPDATE | 11 Nov 2025
CATHERINE CONNOLLY HAS officially been sworn in as Ireland’s tenth president.
Speaking during her inauguration ceremony in Dublin Castle, President Connolly said she would “promote a public discourse that nourishes inclusivity, tolerance and active citizenship.”
Later this evening, President Connolly will return to Dublin Castle where a State Reception will be held in the State Apartments.
Updates by Lauren Boland, Andrew Walsh, Christina Finn and Jane Matthews
Good morning.
It’s a rainy start to the day in Dublin but that likely won’t dampen the spirits of Catherine Connolly and her team, who are getting ready for today’s inauguration ceremony after Connolly won the election last month.
Connolly’s motorcade is expected to arrive at Dublin Castle around 12pm, where she will be greeted by the Tánaiste and brought through to St Patrick’s Hall for the ceremony.
A State reception will be held later this evening after the inauguration.
Our Politics Editor Christina Finn, Politics Correspondent Jane Matthew and Gaeltacht Correspondent Concubhar Ó Liatháin will be on the ground in Dublin Castle and we’ll have all the updates for you here on The Journal.
So, what will actually happen during the ceremony?
My colleague Sophie Finn has broken down the details of how the day will play out.
Representatives from multiple religions will lead a Service of Prayer and Reflection.
At the Taoiseach’s request, Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell will read out, in Irish, the Declaration of Office as set out in the constitution.
Connolly will repeat the declaration and sign it. This is the act that officially makes her President of Ireland.
O’Donnell will announce that Connolly has entered office and will present her with the Presidential Seal.
Connolly will make a speech before the ceremony ends with the national anthem.
The oath (officially known as the Declaration of Office) is a key part of the ceremony.
Here’s what it says:
“In the presence of Almighty God I, [name], do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will maintain the Constitution of Ireland and uphold its laws, that I will fulfil my duties faithfully and conscientiously in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and welfare of the people of Ireland. May God direct and sustain me.”
And in Irish:
“I láthair Dia na nUilechumhacht, táimse, [ainm], á ghealladh agus á dhearbhú go sollúnta is go fírinneach bheith i mo thaca agus i mo dhídin do Bhunreacht Éireann, agus a dlíthe a chaomhnú, mo dhualgais a chomhlíonadh go dílis coinsiasach de réir an Bhunreachta is an dlí, agus mo lándícheall a dhéanamh ar son leasa is fónaimh mhuintir na hÉireann. Dia do mo stiúradh agus do mo chumhdach”.
Our Politics Editor Christina Finn is reporting from Dublin Castle:
The photographers and media have gathered in the courtyard at Dublin Castle for the arrivals. The rain has just started again, unfortunately. The red carpet is getting a fresh hoover before guests arrive.
Our Politics Reporter Jane Matthews has eyes on what’s happening inside Dublin Castle, where preparations are well underway:
Reporters have just been ushered from the media room in the basement of Dublin Castle. Some of us are up on the balcony overlooking St Patrick’s Hall where the inauguration ceremony will take place later this morning. For now the room is empty and the Army No. 1 band is doing its final run through before guests arrive.
And the latest from our Gaeltacht Correspondent Concubhar Ó Liatháin:
Amuigh sa bhaisteach ag fánacht ar na h-aoíanna ag insealbhú an Uachtaráin i gCaisleán Bhaile Átha Cliath. (Outside in the spitting rain at present, awaiting dignitaries.)
It’s indeed a wet morning in Dublin alright. Met Éireann is forecasting a “wet and overcast morning with spells of rain, heavy at times too”, with rain persisting into the afternoon.
What’s the saying at rainy weddings – a wet knot is the hardest to untie? Does the same apply to inaugurations?
Here’s a sneak peak at the Army No. 1 Band rehearsing in St. Patrick’s Hall.
The No. 1 Band was formed in 1923 and has performed at all of Ireland’s presidential inaugurations, going all the way back to Douglas Hyde’s in 1938. Its membership has been updated along the way, of course.
Diplomats have started to arrive at Dublin Castle for the ceremony, including British ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen, who has been learning Irish.
Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese has arrived, as well as First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill alongside Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.
First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill arrives with Mary Lou McDonald pic.twitter.com/Iw9qd6kT6C
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) November 11, 2025
Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson arrived a few moments ago, as did former Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar and former Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern, who shook hands on the red carpet and walked in together.
Outgoing President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina have just arrived now too.
There’s no other event quite like this in Irish politics – one which brings together past and present politicians from across the political spectrum, foreign diplomats, and other important figures in Irish society.
Michael D Higgins and Sabina arrive for the ceremony, giving a wave to the waiting media. pic.twitter.com/sJjaA3HG0X
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) November 11, 2025
Here are some snaps of guests arriving:
Someone who won’t be coming is Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who said she could not attend because of a scheduling clash with the UK’s war remembrance events.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson, who was also invited but declined, said: “We don’t need to make more out of this than there is. There is a clash and that clash has been accepted by the majority of people.”
President-elect Catherine Connolly has left Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park with her husband Brian McEnery to start her drive to Dublin Castle.
It’s a full house inside St Patrick’s Hall as the guests await Catherine Connolly’s arrival.
Some of the attendees with the best view of the proceedings are members of Catherine Connolly’s family and Mike Cubbard, the mayor of Galway.
There must be something in the water in Galway West. It was the home constituency of Michael D. Higgins and has now produced another president in Catherine Connolly.
Pride of place for a lot of the Independent Senators in the second row on the right from the stage. First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O Neill is in front of them, seated beside Mike Cubbard, Galway Mayor, facing across from members of Connolly’s family. pic.twitter.com/OgnWQExct1
— Jane Matthews (@janeematthews) November 11, 2025
Our Politics Editor Christina Finn, who is stationed at the red carpet, says the majority of guests seem to have arrived, including Catherine Connolly’s two sons.
Garda sirens have been heard in the distance from courtyard of Dublin Castle and the red carpet has got a fresh hoovering, Christina reports, so the president-to-be should be arriving shortly.
Right on cue, President-elect Catherine Connolly has arrived at Dublin Castle.
She was greeted by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.
Guests are on their feet in St Patrick’s Hall waiting for the President-elect to enter the room.
President Michael D. Higgins has just received applause as he entered.
Here she is. Catherine Connolly is entering the hall, escorted by members of the Defence Forces.
The music playing now is from Eugene Lambe on the Uilleann Pipes. Eugene, one of Ireland’s best known pipers, is from Kinvara in Co Galway.
Now comes the Service of Prayer and Reflection.
Representatives from several religions, including multiple Christian denominations, are saying a few words to mark the occasion and extend their best wishes and prayers to Connolly and to the country.
Our Politics Reporter Jane Matthews has a video of the moment Connolly arrived in St Patrick’s Hall:
President-elect Catherine Connolly pic.twitter.com/UjwG9AmJCa
— Jane Matthews (@janeematthews) November 11, 2025
Sean-nós Singer Síle Denvir, who is from Connemara, is singing the Ár nAthair prayer (Our Father, as Gaeilge).
Now comes the big moment. Catherine Connolly is taking the Declaration of Office to be officially sworn in as president.
President Catherine Connolly has taken the Declaration of Office and officially become Uachtarán na hÉireann.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is delivering a short speech to congratulate her. The new president herself will be next to speak.
President Connolly is now making her first speech from inside Dublin Castle. She started off in Irish, expressing her gratitude to the guests in attendance, including members of her family and those who travelled from afar to be at the ceremony, before switching to English.
“I stand before you humbly and proudly as the tenth president of this beautiful country,” she said.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic.”
Reflecting on the campaign, the new president says that her early supporters of politicians and volunteers faced what they were told were “insurmountable challenges”.
“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out, too left, at odds with the prevailing narrative.
“In shared conversations all over the country, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent or reflect people’s values and concerns.”
President Connolly addresses “the challenges of our times”, speaking particularly about the climate crisis and wars around the world. She mentions the fact that today is Remembrance Day in the UK, saying that it “gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the horrors of war in a world where unfortunately we have all become witnesses to ongoing wars and genocide”.
“I believe the president should be a unifying president… but also a catalyst for change… I will embrace the role of President with dignity and courage.”
— Jane Matthews (@janeematthews) November 11, 2025
During her speech, Connolly touches on a wide range of issues, including housing, migration, and a united Ireland. She switches back to Irish again to discuss the language and its revival, quoting the seanfhocal: “Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam.”
After Connolly concludes her speech, which lasted just over ten minutes, the ceremony closes with the national anthem.
And sin é, Connolly will now make her way to the Áras. pic.twitter.com/RAgta5zYAe
— Jane Matthews (@janeematthews) November 11, 2025
The inauguration ceremony is complete, but there’s still more events to come. Handing you over to my colleague Andrew Walsh who will bring you through the latest.
President Connolly has now left St Patrick’s Hall, and has been led out to the Upper Courtyard as the Air Corps fly overhead.
She’s now inspecting the Guard of Honour, joined by Captain Patrick Wilson.
Members of the Defence Forces await the new President of Ireland Catherine Connolly. pic.twitter.com/edzqvovuHF
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) November 11, 2025
So, who’s the first person to get their congratulations in for the new president?
A quick perusal of The Journal’s inbox shows it’s Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly, who was put back in his box by his own party when he sought the presidential nomination earlier this year.
“Catherine is a person of great political accomplishment, and I have no doubt that she will work tirelessly to serve the people of Ireland during her term as President,” he says.
Here’s a look at the Air Corps’ flyover as Catherine Connolly left Dublin Castle a few minutes ago.
The President of Ireland Catherine Connolly emerges from Dublin Castle to the national anthem and an Air Corps flyover pic.twitter.com/4JWZxQuadP
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) November 11, 2025
Following the inspection of the Guard of Honour, President Connolly and her husband Brian greeted a number of local pupils from Francis Street primary school, located near Dublin Castle in The Liberties.
President Catherine Connolly greets school children at Dublin Castle. pic.twitter.com/7ZjJrAjRn4
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) November 11, 2025
President Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery have now left Dublin Castle and are en route to her new home, Áras an Uachtaráin.
She’s scheduled to attend a formal lunch at her new residence this afternoon, and will later return to Dublin Castle this evening for a State reception dinner.
Here’s another look at President Connolly inspecting the Guard of Honour outside Dublin Castle.
Schoolchildren from Francis Street School had stood out in the rain for some time to meet the newly-appointed president, huddled under umbrellas.
When President Connolly emerged from Dublin Castle it was all smiles among the pupils.
The Francis Street uniform also, coincidentally, matched the colour of Connolly’s inauguration outfit.
President Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery have now arrived at Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park – Connolly’s new home.
Here’s a look at her motorcade departing Dublin Castle.
And with thats she’s off to Áras an Uachtaráin pic.twitter.com/KaxG9pbafA
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) November 11, 2025
Catherine Connolly’s first official engagement as head of State is a visit to a Gaelscoil in Inchicore, located just down the road from Áras an Uachtaráin.
It’s one of three visits in the diary tomorrow for Connolly, who will be busy travelling across the country for her second day in office.
Connolly will also travel to a resource centre in Trim, Co Meath at 1.30pm, followed by a visit to two nursing units at Merlin park University Hospital in her home county of Galway.
Do you want the Áras look?
Here’s a breakdown of President Connolly’s inauguration outfit.
Coat - Maya Double-Face Wool Coat in Purple (Louise Kennedy) cost: €1,995
Blouse - Orelia Purple Silk Blouse (Louise Kennedy) cost: €1,295
Trousers - Julie Wool Wide-Leg Trousers in Purple (Louise Kennedy) cost: €995
Earrings - Giana Earrings (Louise Kennedy) cost: €1,395
It was a well-attended ceremony in Dublin Castle today, with a number of ex-Presidents and ex-Taoisigh in attendance.
One notable absence, however, was former Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
A number of Fine Gael officials were asked about his absence, though the reason for his non-attendance today is not yet known.
Our Political Editor Christina Finn spoke to sources close to Enda, who told her that the former Taoiseach had passed on his regrets to President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
When asked if the former Taoiseach was okay, they said “absolutely”.
Kenny’s last public appearance was alongside Fine Gael’s Áras hopeful Heather Humphreys during a canvass in Dublin city three weeks ago.
A number of schoolchildren from Francis Street primary school that met President Catherine Connolly described the day as “very exciting”.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio ahead of the inauguration, a number of the pupils described how they were “so excited to be there”, while one boy, AJ, shared that he had brought an item along to the ceremony.
“I have a football because I support Liverpool, and I saw the Connolly video where she was playing football, and she was doing volleys and playing basketball,” AJ said.
“So I asked my teacher, can I bring a football? They said yes, so I brought my football with me today, and I’m going to ask her how many keepie-uppies can she do.”
Campaign group Women for Election have congratulated President Catherine Connolly on her inauguration today.
“President Connolly joins 16 other women who are Heads of State across the world, including five who area also Heads of Government,” the group said in a statement.
“Only two other EU states, Malta and Slovenia, have women Heads of State.
“Her courageous and tenacious political journey from Councillor, Mayor, Teachta Dála, Leas Ceann Comhairle to President over 25 years is hugely inspiring.
“We hope that the path she has forged encourages other women from all walks of life to bring their voices and lived experience to politics.”
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