Dublin public greets Duke and Duchess of Sussex

A young GAA player couldn't resist stroking Prince Harry's beard

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been greeted by crowds on the streets of Dublin on the second day of their Irish visit.

Prince Harry and Meghan met President Higgins and his wife Sabina at their residence, Áras an Uachtaráin.

The royal couple arrived in the capital on Tuesday for their two-day visit.

After meeting the president they paid a visit to Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association

The royal couple had changed into more relaxed clothing before joining children on the pitch.

They were joined for the Croke Park visit by the Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Coveney.

In the afternoon the duke and duchess visited Trinity College to view the Book of Kells.

The Ninth Century illuminated manuscript gospel is one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures.

The royal couple went on a walkabout near Trinity College

At the scene

by Richard Morgan, BBC News NI

The first rain in weeks arrived at Croke Park ahead of the couple's visit.

It did not dampen the spirits of the children on the pitch.

Prince Harry gets a lecture on the finer points of hurling

When they arrived, the young people clapped and could be heard shouting "Harry, Harry.".

The Prince disappointed onlooking media as he did not attempt any football or hurling as had been expected.

The children who met the couple were torn as to what was the better experience: playing at Croke Park or meeting the royals.

From there, the couple will visit the Irish Famine memorial and the Irish Emigration Museum

The duchess enjoys a joke with the president's wife, Sabina

On Tuesday, they were greeted by Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar at Government Buildings in Dublin.

Crowds gathered outside and cheered as their convoy pulled up.

Mr Varadkar walked the couple across the courtyard to show them the foundation stone which was laid by Edward VII in 1904.

The royal couple rang the Peace Bell at the presidential residence in Phoenix Park

Inside, they signed the visitors' book.

The duke and duchess attended a garden party at the British Ambassador's residence at Glencairn.

The royal couple are in Dublin four months after making their first official visit to Northern Ireland

The royal couple made their first official visit to Northern Ireland in March.

Those who met them said that they praised Belfast people saying that they were "so friendly and warm".