It's official: On April 27th, the White House released President Obama's birth certificate. And, unless you believe that the 20 second clip from Disney's The Lion King shown at the 2011 White House Press Correspondents' Dinner was really part of President Obama's official birth video, for most of us, the issue is settled.
President Obama did some ancestral searching of his own last Monday while visiting Ireland at the start of his six day tour of Europe. The Obama's managed to take time off between official political events for beer, jokes, and some good old-fashioned family fun.
Making stops in both Dublin and Moneygall, Ireland, the birthplace of the President's great-great-great-grandfather, President Obama and the First Lady took a break from politics and sat down for a pint of Guinness at Ollie Hayes Pub in Moneygall. The President shared the drink with his eighth cousin.
Though the President's stay in Ireland was cut short by the May 21st eruption of Iceland's Grimsvotn volcano, the President and the First Lady planned to stay at the five-star Merrion Hotel in Dublin. The choice of the Merrion Hotel was "one of the best kept secrets in Ireland," according to the Guardian.
Typically, when visiting diplomats arrive in Dublin, they are housed in Phoenix Park. The Obamas, however, chose to stay in the Mornington House, a 204 square meter penthouse suite that is one of four Georgian town houses owned by the Merrion Hotel. Along with these town houses, the Merrion Hotel also includes 123 guestrooms, 20 suites, a contemporary Garden Wing, the Tethra Spa, The Cellar Restaurant, and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud — the only two-star Michelin restaurant in Ireland.
If good food, a romantic country setting, and a relaxing trip to the spa haven't already grabbed your attention, the Merrion Hotel is home to Ireland's second largest private art collection. Works by acclaimed 19th and 20th century artists hang throughout the hotel, providing an elegant backdrop.
With rates as low as €199 a night, the Merrion Hotel is a short drive from Dublin's city center, allowing for easy sight-seeing despite its country setting.
"Make sure you tell people I was here," said President Obama to Peter MacCann, the general manager of the Merrion Hotel. And, while the President and the First Lady were unable to stay the night at the Merrion Hotel, chances are they will be back to enjoy this charming piece of Dublin.
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