US first lady Michelle Obama is to visit the Republic of Ireland next month while her husband is in the North for the G8 summit.

It is understood plans are in place for Michelle and her two daughters to visit the Republic, although no details have been released.

Mrs Obama had previously said she would like to bring 14-year-old Malia and 11-year-old Sasha to visit their father's ancestral village of Moneygall in Co Offaly.

The G8 summit which is hosted by the British Prime Minister David Cameron takes place at Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh on June 17 and 18.