WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama and top lawmakers brought a wee bit of Ireland to Washington, donning green ties and a festive mood in a belated celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

Shamrock in his jacket pocket, Obama hosted Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny for a meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday — two days after the official holiday, which fell on a Sunday this year. "It also gives us an excuse to stretch out St. Patrick's Day for a couple of extra days," he said.

Saluting the close U.S.-Ireland relationship and the contributions of Irish Americans, Obama praised Kenny's leadership through difficult economic times and said improvements in their economy helps in trade with the United States.