The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip has met the President Mary McAleese at an awards ceremony celebrating the 21st anniversary of the President's award scheme for young people, An Gaisce.
The Dublin visit has been seen as bringing a full State visit by Queen Elizabeth, the British monarch, a step closer, though neither government has commented on the matter.
The President and the duke joined 700 young people in the National Concert Hall to mark An Gaisce's birthday and the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
They jointly presented top awards to 90 young people from throughout the island. The President is to host a private lunch in honour of Prince Philip in Iveagh House after which it is expected he will make a courtesy call on the Taoiseach in Goverment Buildings.