Queen Continues Historic Irish Visit

The second day of the Queen's visit to Ireland has taken her to the famous Guinness Storehouse at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin.

Her motorcade left the official residence of President of Ireland, Mary McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin this morning for Her Majesty and Prince Philip to explore the Guinness Hop Store, a modern tourist facility that covers over seven floors and is surrounding by a glass atrium in the shape of a pint of Guinness.

The Royal couple were then introduced to the Master Brewer who showed how to pour the 'Perfect Pint' of stout and enjoyed a presentation by the Guinness Company Archivist.

As part of her four-day visit to Ireland, she is now visiting the Dáil - Government Buildings - where she has met with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and members of the Irish Government.

The Irish and Union flags are flying side by side from the building, parts of which have served as the seat of Irish government since 1922.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will then continue to the Irish War Memorial to remember those who fought in the British forces in WWI and WWII in Islandbridge where she will lay a wreath.

Her Majesty will then visit Croke Park stadium where she will meet with Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) members.

The GAA HQ is where British forces killed 14 people during a Gaelic football match 91 years ago.

In November 1920, during the War of Independence, 13 spectators and one player were killed when British forces opened fire at a football match at the home of Gaelic sports after IRA assassination squads had shot dead 14 suspected British intelligence agents in Dublin.

Later this evening the Queen will attend a State dinner hosted by President Mary McAleese at Dublin Castle and again attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

It will be the first address by a British monarch since the formation of the Irish Republic and is being held in honour of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and hosted by President Mary McAleese and will be attended by Prime Minister David Cameron among others.

The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson will also attend amid speculation that his wife, the former politician Iris, will accompany him to these events, but it was reported yesterday that Mr Robinson said her attendance would depend on her health.

The Queen will make her only public speech at the prestigious event and while she is likely to acknowledge past difficulties, is unlikely to 'apologise' for any such past tragedies.

This afternoon the British Prime Minister David Cameron will also visit Government Buildings and meet with Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

(BMcC/KMcA)