Catherine Connolly: Irish President on first official visit to NI
She was welcomed at Stormont Castle by the First and Deputy First Ministers
Last updated 4th Feb 2026
Catherine Connolly was in Northern Ireland today (Wednesday) for her first official visit as Irish President.
She began her three-day visit with a trip to Stormont Castle where she will meet up with First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
In her inaugural speech, she said she looked forward to her "first official visit to the north" and referenced Article 3 of the Irish constitution, which sets out the firm wish of the Irish people for a united Ireland under consent.
The President will later deliver an address at the Ulster University Campus in north Belfast at 1.30pm.
Over the course of the day, Ms Connolly will also visit a number of community initiatives in Belfast.
The President's official visit to Northern Ireland will continue on Thursday and Friday with engagements in County Londonderry.