President Mary McAleese is flying to the United States today to take part in one of the largest Irish festivals in the world.
The four-day Milwaukee Irish Fest, which was founded by the local Irish community in 1981, is expected to attract 130,000 people this year.
Mrs McAleese, who will be joined by husband Martin, will meet local political, business and community leaders during the visit. She will be guest of honour at a civic reception hosted by Mayor Tom Barrett and at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Centre for Celtic Studies.
During her trip she will also attend the Irish Fest Liturgy for Peace and Justice at the Marcus Amphitheatre and view exhibits from the Milwaukee Art Museum, including works by Georgia O'Keeffe.
This will be the president's 13th visit to the United States since she came to office, and her second in 2005.