Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan spend a weekend visiting the historic sites of Co. Clare.
The Emperor and Empress of Japan came to Ireland for a week in March 1985. The then Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko combined a holiday with an official return of Irish President Patrick Hillery's visit to Japan in 1983. They arrived by private jet in Shannon Airport on 1 March and spent the weekend in Dromoland Castle in Co. Clare.
This RTÉ News report from the following day shows the Prince and Princess touring historic sites in Clare, including the early Celtic settlement at Craggaunowen and Bunratty Folk Park. It was hoped that their visit would inspire more Japanese tourists to come to Ireland.
Jim Fahy reports for RTÉ News on 2 March 1985.
Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan spend a weekend visiting the historic sites of Co. Clare.
The Emperor and Empress of Japan came to Ireland for a week in March 1985. The then Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko combined a holiday with an official return of Irish President Patrick Hillery's visit to Japan in 1983. They arrived by private jet in Shannon Airport on 1 March and spent the weekend in Dromoland Castle in Co. Clare.
This RTÉ News report from the following day shows the Prince and Princess touring historic sites in Clare, including the early Celtic settlement at Craggaunowen and Bunratty Folk Park. It was hoped that their visit would inspire more Japanese tourists to come to Ireland.
Jim Fahy reports for RTÉ News on 2 March 1985.
