Former U.S. President Barack Obama was formally awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in a ceremony held at the Shelbourne Hotel on Thursday. The honor, bestowed by Dublin’s Lord Mayor Ray McAdam, recognizes Obama’s global leadership and vision for a fairer society. However, the event was not without controversy, as several Dublin councillors opposed the decision, citing concerns over Obama’s foreign policy, particularly his stance on Israel, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia. The council had initially voted in 2017 to grant the honor to Obama and his wife Michelle, with 30 votes in favor and 23 against. At the ceremony, Obama received a first edition of James Joyce’s *Ulysses* and a bottle of Teeling Whiskey. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the enduring bond between Ireland and the United States, rooted in shared hope and resilience. The event was attended by approximately 30 guests, including the Lord Mayor’s six-year-old son, who presented Obama with a homemade Spider-Man card. Despite the opposition, Lord Mayor McAdam defended the decision, stating that no political career is without flaws and that the honor reflects Dublin’s recognition of Obama’s contributions. The Freedom of the City of Dublin, the highest honor the city can bestow, has been awarded to only 88 individuals, including notable figures like Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy, and Greta Thunberg. Obama’s visit to Dublin also includes a sold-out event at the 3Arena, where he will engage in a conversation with Irish journalist Fintan O’Toole.