Ireland's connection with Mandela dates back to 1988, when he was given the Freedom of the City in Dublin. Unable to accept the honour due to his lengthy imprisonment, his wife Winnie instead made the journey to Dublin.

Mandela chose to use this opportunity to make his first contact with the outside world in 26 years. Through his lawyer, he contacted Dublin to express his thanks, calling the Irish "the original freedom fighters".

1990

Soon after his release from prison, Mandela made his first first to Ireland in 1990, where he met with the politicans of the day and even addressed the Dáil.

Mandela during his 1990 visit, pictured with then-Taoiseach Charles Haughey & Labour leader Dick Spring

During his speech in the Dáil he thanked Ireland for its efforts to end apartheid and looked for support for rebuilding his nation.

"For more than a quarter of a century" Mandela said, "your country has had one of the most energetic and effective anti-apartheid movements in the world. Irishmen and women have given wholehearted and often sacrificial support for our struggle in the fields of economic, cultural and sports relations.

We, therefore, salute your sportspeople, especially the rugby players, your writers and artists and the Dunnes' and other workers. They will not be forgotten by the masses of our people."

2000

He returned a decade later, to be conferred with an honorary Doctorate of Law from Trinity College Dublin.

During his acceptance speech, he addressed the issue of the North and called for the Belfast Agreement to be implemented. Only with "bold actions", he said, would Northern Ireland have lasting peace.

"That process has come so far and the fundamental importance of peace has been recognised by all of the leaders."

Nelson Mandela meets then-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at Government Buildings in 2000

Nelson Mandela at Trinity College, Dublin

President Mary McAleese with Nelson Mandela at Áras an Uachtaráin

2003

Ahead of speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2003 Special Olympics, where he and Muhammad Ali were guests of honour, Mandela was conferred with an Honorary Degree at NUI Galway. He used his acceptance speech as an opportunity to condemn the US military's use Shannon Airport and US President George Bush's intervention in Iraq.

Mandela then travelled to Dublin to open the Special Olympics, where he was led onstage by Bono during U2's performance of Pride.