Swedish State Visit to Ireland

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden were on a State Visit to Ireland from May 22nd to 24th, at the invitation of President Michael D. Higgins, and at the request of the Swedish Government  to celebrate and build diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. They last visited Ireland in 1992.

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On May 22nd, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia were welcomed by President Michael D. Higgins and First Lady Sabina Higgins at their residence, Áran an Uachtaráin, in an official welcome ceremony that included military honours and a tree planting ceremony, following which, the King placed a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance, in memory of those who gave their lives in the Irish Freedom Fight.

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Later, the King and Queen visited, Croke Park, the headquarters of Ireland’s largest nonprofit culture and traditional sports association, the Gaelic Athletic Association, before attend a luncheon given by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Ireland. Following, the Royal Couple attended a Reception given by the Mayor of Dublin, and then met the Speakers of the House.

In the evening, President Michael D. Higgins and First Lady Sabina Higgins hostsed a State Banquet in honour of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia at Áras an Uachtaráin. Both the King and President gave speeches.

The following day, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia attended the “Meeting Future Health Challenges” seminar, followed by a Literature seminar at the National Library, a visit to EirGrid, a Reception for Swedish Diaspora at The Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, a meeting with the Prime Minister, visits to the Science Museum and National Museum and a Return Dinner at Trinity College.

On the final day, the King and Queen attended a Seminar on how digital infrastructure shapes society and industry, followed by a visit to the Marine Institute in Galway, a farmhouse in Ballybornagh, the Burren Smokehouse, and a Press Conference before departing from Shannon Airport.

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