Obamas bask in sun at Glendalough
Michelle Obama and her two daughters Malia and Sasha with a guide at Glendalough, Co Wicklow.
Michelle Obama and her daughters Malia and Sasha leave the Shelbourne Hotel to travel to Glendalough, Wicklow. Photo: Damien Eagers
Owner of Matt the Trashers Jimmy Lyons with wife Charlotte and sons James, 17, Ted, 10 and Marcus, 8, where America's First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters Malia and Sasha had dinner, on Pembroke Street, Dublin. Photo: Arthur Carron/Collins
America's First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters Malia and Sasha arrive for dinner at Matt The Trashers restuarant on Pembroke Street, Dublin. Photo: Arthur Carron/Collins.
/
AFTER the hustle and bustle of the city, America's first ladies were treated to some fresh mountain air.
Never before has the magnificent and peaceful environs of Glendalough played host to such a historical occasion.
Basking in unrivalled sunshine, the Obamas chose to experience the jewel of the Garden County for the final leg of their two-day visit to Ireland.
Accompanied by daughters Malia and Sasha, US First Lady Michelle Obama arrived at picturesque Glendalough just before midday.
Security was tight when her cavalcade of SUVs, motorcycles, US Secret Service vehicles and garda cars entered the gates of the visitors carpark.
The narrow country roads that meander through the Sally Gap were heavily policed since early morning.
Deer stone
The US First Lady and her daughters were brought on a guided tour through the winding paths into the heart of the Glendalough village.
The tour took 20 minutes and the guests were brought to see the sixth-century monastic village, founded by St Kevin.
After viewing the monastic village and adjacent ancient graveyard, an official gave the church key to Sasha to lock the church.
The Obamas then crossed a wooden bridge over the Avonmore river.
Dressed in white trousers, sandals and a khaki jacket, Michelle oozed elegance.
The Obamas sat for a few moments on a small rock where they were told the famous 'deer stone' story.
They then walked back to the carpark where they were due to be escorted to the Upper Lake.
EXCURSION
It was a distinctly different excursion for the Obamas – when compared with their visit to Trinity College and the Gaiety Theatre yesterday.
The Obamas spent just under 45 minutes in Glendalough.
In what was one of the worst-kept secrets of the event, the Obamas were invited to meet Bono in sleepy Dalkey village.
Sources in the Obama camp confirmed that the family were due to have lunch in Finnegan's pub with speculation rife that they will be invited to the Hewson home on nearby Vico Road.
hnews@herald.ie