Thai Garden, located on Spanish Arch in Galway city, shared photos of smiling staff posing with Ireland’s ninth president on social media.
“We are delighted to welcome Michael and Sabina Higgins back to Galway and especially Thai Garden. It’s always an honour to have you with us,” they said.
The former President of Ireland returned to the west last week following 14 years in the Áras and has been busy adjusting to life away from the State’s hotseat.
Following his departure as the country’s first citizen on November 11, Mr Higgins moved to Rahoon, Co Galway, with his wife Sabina and Misneach, their Bernese Mountain dog.
Another Galway property that the couple bought, Sylvan Road, was sold for about €470,000 in 2020.
Galway has welcomed the 84-year-old back with open arms and sent Catherine Connolly the other way to become the 11th president of Ireland.
Mr Higgins has previously spoken of his desire to continue his writing work during his post-presidential life, while also wishing to spend more time with his and Sabina’s two young grandchildren, Finn and Fiadh.
Last week, the former president made a surprise visit to a Siptu conference in Galway, saying it “lifts his heart” to come back to the city. Mr Higgins said he was proud to be there as a member of the union and to find the room full of fine people who are working in the trade union movement.
He said trade union banners at the back of the room were a reminder that they were there speaking about workers who had the courage to speak to other workers and tell them they would be equal and should be treated properly.
Joe Cunningham, general secretary of the union, presented Mr Higgins with a portrait of himself that will be hung at Liberty Hall.
He said on every trip he ever made, trade union leaders would always comment on what a wonderful president we had.
Mr Cunningham said together with his wife Sabina, they made the most amazing team and “double act” he had ever seen.
The union leader said the room lights up when he comes into it and his visit was an opportunity for the trade union movement to say how grateful it is.
He said Mr Higgins is a lifelong trade unionist and had made an enormous contribution to arts and culture.
