Vice-President Biden has landed

US Vice-President Joe Biden has touched down at Ireland West Airport Knock this lunchtime on the start of his first visit to his ancentral home county of Mayo.

Among the first people Mr. Biden was greeted by were the pupils of St. Attracta's NS, Charlestown, Barnacogue National School, Tavneena NS and Cloonlyon National School who were busy preparing all morning to extend a big Mayo welcome to the Vice-President.

There is a very visible security presence about the county today, with Mr. Biden due to visit Ballina, Castlebar and Westport.

Mr. Biden met with President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this morning ahead of his visit west.

He is scheduled to play a round of golf with Taoiseach Enda Kenny tomorrow morning.

Mr. Biden's great-great-grandfather was born in Ballina.