Washington ( CNN ) -- President Barack Obama announced on Thursday -- St. Patrick 's Day -- that he will stop in Ireland in May as a side trip from his state visit to the United Kingdom , and that he hopes to visit the birthplace there of his great-great-great-great-great grandfather . He made the announcement as he met with the Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny in the Oval Office . The birthplace is in Moneygall , he said , adding that he also plans to visit `` famous sites '' in the country . Obama -- clad in a light green tie and sporting shamrocks emerging from his suit pocket -- stressed the `` incredible bond '' between the two countries . Beyond the customary comments on his guest 's leadership , the president thanked Ireland for its assistance with the U.S. effort in Afghanistan and on issues such as food security , and hailed progress and stability in Northern Ireland . For his part , Kenny , who wore an even greener tie , said his country will be honored to host Obama in May , and he is even looking forward to a possible round of golf with the president . Obama said he heard the prime minister 's game was pretty good so he may need to practice a bit before hitting the links with Kenny . After the Oval Office meeting , Kenny , Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were scheduled to attend a St. Patrick 's Day lunch at the Capitol featuring roast angus beef with wild onion chanterelle compote , followed by an evening reception in the East Room of the White House . Kenny began the day with a trip to Biden 's residence at the Naval Observatory for a breakfast with guests that included U.S. senators , Supreme Court justices , and Cabinet secretaries . Kenny , who was elected to his post earlier this year , is facing problems at home with high unemployment and a tough economic environment in the wake of the country 's near miss with bankruptcy last year . This is his first visit to Washington as prime minister and his first meeting with Obama .
Obama meets with Irish Prime Minister Kenny in the Oval Office . The president is also expected to discuss his plans for a new strategy against ISIS. An evening reception for the prime minister is scheduled in the White House .