The President is our Head of State. He represents Ireland both at home and abroad. The President carries out a number of important tasks on behalf of the people of Ireland. As Head of State, the President can sign into law Bills passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas, and the President meets other world leaders on our behalf. These are just a few of the President's duties. Click on the picture and read all about the role of President then test your knowledge with a quiz at the bottom of the page.

The President lives in Áras an Uachtaráin, in the middle of Phoenix Park in Dublin. The house was built a long time ago, in 1751, and for a long time it was the home of the official representative in Ireland of the British King or Queen (known as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, or the Viceroy). Inside the house, there are many paintings and pieces of art that show this part of the history of the house. After Ireland became independent, the house became the home of the President of Ireland. Click on the link (or the dog) to take a virtual tour of Áras an Uachtaráin.

There have been eight former Presidents of Ireland of which two are still alive: Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese. To find out more about previous Presidents of Ireland, click on the resource below. Pupils can read the biography for each president and challenge their presidential knowledge by completing the online quiz about the previous presidents of Ireland.