How to trace your Irish roots like Joe Biden

The US president has followed his family tree back to Ireland. Imy Brighty-Potts finds out how you can do the same.

US President Joe Biden is currently visiting Ireland (Niall Carson/PA)

This week, US President Joe Biden kicked off his four-day trip to the island of Ireland in Belfast, with his itinerary also taking him to Co Louth, Dublin and Co Mayo.

The trip coincides with the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, but it also has deep familial significance for the president.

Biden’s great-grandfather James Finegan was born in Co Louth before emigrating to America, and his great-great-great grandfather Edward Blewitt sold bricks to St Muredach’s Cathedral in Ballina in 1827.