In light of the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland later this month, we look back on the last time a pope visited the country. Pope John Paul II arrives into Dublin Airport on Saturday, 29th September, 1979 and kneels to kiss the ground.
Pope John Paul II's outer garment was blown over his head as he kissed the ground shortly after landing. Photograph: The Irish Times
An elderly man waits with a welcome sign for the pope.
Pope John Paul II waves to the massive crowds assembled in the Phoenix Park prior to saying mass before the Papal Cross.
The altar in the Pheonix Park erected for the papal visit and for the pope to say mass before a crowd of 1.25 million people.
One enterprising priest in the crowd came prepared enough to allow himself a closer look at the proceedings.
Pope John Paul II greets the crowd as he steps out from a helicopter in Drogheda. Photograph: The Irish Times
A member of the audience looks on during the Papal sermon in Drogheda, September 29th, 1979. Photograph: The Irish Times
Pope John Paul and his cavalcade proceeding down O'Connell Street as part of his Papal Visit to Ireland in 1979. Photograph: Jimmy McCormack.
Pope John Paul II being shown over the grounds at Clonmacnoise Monastery during a 20 minute stop en route to Galway. The pope requested this visit, as he believes the monks from here brought the Christian faith to Poland. Photograph: The Irish Times
Father Michael Cleary adresses the congragation at Galway prior to the arrival of Pope John Paul.
Pope John Paul II raises a hand to greet and bless the 200,000 crowd awaiting him at Galway's Ballybrit racecourse. Photograph: The Irish Times
One eager photographer stands slightly above the crowd during the Youth Mass at Ballybrit, Galway.
Escorts hold umbrellas over the priests who are administering Holy Communion during the sermon at Ballybrit.
Pope Jonh Paul ascends to the altar at Knock, the focal point of his 1979 visit to Ireland.
Pope John Paul II blesses the sick before the shrine at Knock.
Crowds gathered at the racecourse in Limerick to welcome Pope John Paul to the city.
The banner erected across one of the airport building at Shannon to say goodbye to Pope John Paul before departing for the US.
Pope John Paul II gives his farewells to the crowds gathered at Shannon before leaving the country and concluding his visit.
Photograph: Dermot O'Shea
