China's vice president Xi Jinping had a newborn calf named after him as he visited a farm during a three-day trip to Ireland.

Mr Xi and his delegation were given a 40-minute tour of James Lynch's family-run dairy farm at Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, this morning before seeing the Cliffs of Moher.

Mr Lynch showed the vice president a calf born overnight before he was welcomed into the family home for an Irish coffee.

"I know more about my calves than my children, there's so much traceability," said Mr Lynch.

"Your excellency, we will be calling this calf after yourself."

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said the visit will leave a lasting and positive impression of the natural source of Irish "agfood" products.

"Ireland is renowned for its high quality and safe food production," he added.

Mr Xi touched down at Shannon Airport yesterday evening after five days in the United States and visited the offices of Shannon Development business park and attended a traditional banquet at Bunratty Castle.

Jobs and trade will be the focus of the trip for the Irish Government, Mr Xi and his delegation of 150 business leaders and government officials.

The group is en-route to Dublin for a demonstration of Gaelic games in Croke Park and talks with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and political leaders in Dublin Castle, where a number of agreements to boost trade with Ireland will be signed.

But human rights organisations have called on the Irish Government to tackle Mr Xi on China's human rights record and plan to stage a protest outside.

Ireland is the only EU country Mr Xi - China's leader-in-waiting - will visit during his tour.

He departs for Turkey tomorrow after a meeting with Irish President Michael D Higgins and attending a trade and investment forum in Dublin.