TENS OF THOUSANDS of people are expected to pack into O’Connell Street to hear US President Barack Obama speak during his visit to Ireland later this month.

Obama was originally understood to be planning a public rally at Croke Park, but that element of his visit has been scrapped due to security concerns.

The US President could now address a large gathering on O’Connell street on the evening of 23 May, according to The Belfast Telegraph, which cites Obama’s admiration of Daniel O’Connell as one of the reasons behind the idea.

Obama will only be in Ireland for 24 hours, arriving on the morning of 23 May, but leaving the following day to travel to London. While he’s in Dublin he’ll meet the Taoiseach, the cabinet and President Mary McAleese at various functions. He’s due to make a stop in Moneygall, Co. Offaly during his visit to Ireland to pay tribute to his ancestral roots. He’ll also make a public address in the town. Houses and business in Moneygall are being spruced up for the visit, with one resident clearly totally swept up in Obama fever:

[caption id="attachment_131940" align="alignnone" width="630" caption="Catriona Morrison, originally from Pensylvania, takes a picture of US tourists Darrell Sheeley and his wife Marsh outside a bungalow painted with the US flag in Moneygall, Co Offaly."][/caption]

Poll: Where do you think Obama should make his address?

Read more in The Belfast Telegraph>