Prime Minister Edna Kenny

Atlanta city officials are celebrating St. Patrick's Day and the anniversary of an Irishman's work to save parts of Atlanta from destruction during the Civil War with a visit from the Irish prime minister.

Atlanta city officials say Prime Minister Enda Kenny will visit Atlanta on Friday and have a meeting with the mayor at City Hall. Officials say Mayor Kasim Reed will also deliver remarks commemorating the 151st anniversary of Father Thomas O'Reilly saving Atlanta's City Hall, courthouse, five churches and residential neighborhoods from being destroyed during the Civil War.

Kenny's trip to the United States is also expected to feature a visit with President Barack Obama on St. Patrick's Day.

Kenny will also serve as the grand marshall of Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday.

Tags: St. Patrick's Day, prime minister of ireland visits atlanta, edna kenny, prime minister kenny, father thomas o'reilly