Barack Obama on his way to Ireland in May

According to a senior US source, President Obama plans to visit Ireland when he makes a trip to Europe in May for a G8 meeting and a trip across the water to see Queen Elizabeth II.

Obama's trip will be in late May in order to coincide with other European engagements.

He is due to make a state visit to Britain at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth from 24-26 May. He will then move on to Deauville, France for a G8 summit from 26-27 May.

It is unclear whether the Irish leg of his trip will be ahead of the British visit or after the visit to France.

"The White House hopes it's before the the UK," an official close to negotiations regarding the visit told The Irish Times.

Complications arise due to the fact that President Mary McAleese has invited the queen to visit Ireland, probably in May or June.

In this time of austerity, both could visit at the same time in order to save a few quid on the big events that will surround visits of the two heads of state. They could even carpool... but that won't happen.

Dan Rooney, US ambassador to Ireland, said, "I would welcome a visit one day from President Obama. However, I have no confirmation of timing.

The new Taoiseach can discuss any travel arrangements when he makes the traditional visit to the White House on St Patrick's Day.