The US First Lady, Ms Laura Bush, was entertained by local schoolchildren and traditional musicians at a series of private engagements on Saturday morning, writes Liam Reid in Shannon.
Shortly after 10 a.m., Ms Bush attended a special music recital by the Inis Óg Céilí band, at Dromoland Castle clubhouse. Led by band leader, Mr Padraic O'Reilly, the 13-person band performed a 15 minute programme for the First Lady including two reels, the London Lassies and The Trip to Durrow. Ms éimear Atkins also sang the traditional song, Amhran Mhainse, while the band also played a selection of instrumental pieces and jigs.
The First Lady was also treated to a performance of traditional Irish songs and dances from a group of 15 local nine and 10-year-olds.
The children, all in third class at Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire in Newmarket-on-Fergus, performed four songs, including local Clare song, Beidh Aonach Amárach.
The children, supervised by school principal, Ms Barbara Shalloo, and their teacher, Ms Mary Ryan, danced a reel, a jig, a two-hand reel and a hornpipe for their guest.
The First Lady was also given a tour of the grounds of Dromoland castle by the head gardener, Ms Dorothy Madden.
She also attended a private luncheon hosted by the American ambassador to Ireland, Mr James Kenny. Irish guests included Lady Inchiquin; the designer, Ms Louise Kennedy and Ms Noelle Campbell Sharpe.
The lunch took place at Thomond House, in Newmarket-on-Fergus, the current home of Lord and Lady Inchiquin, the former owners of Dromoland Castle.
There was a 30 minute gap in the First Lady's itinerary at 11.30 a.m. when she was due to give interviews with the media.