US President Donald Trump arrived in Dublin on Saturday morning to begin a two-day official visit to Ireland. He was greeted at Dublin Airport by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Foreign Minister Helen McEntee.
During his stay, Trump is scheduled to hold a courtesy call with Irish President Catherine Connolly and participate in a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The presidential agenda also includes attending events hosted by US Ambassador Ed Walsh at the embassy residence in Phoenix Park.
Ahead of the visit, Taoiseach Martin expressed his anticipation for discussions on mutual interests and the strengthening of economic and cultural ties. He highlighted the upcoming Amgen Irish Open golf tournament at the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in County Clare as a fitting conclusion to a successful sporting summer for Ireland.
“I look forward to welcoming President Trump to Ireland… and I hope we will see an Irish winner lifting the trophy on Sunday,” Martin stated in a Friday night release.
Trump, an avid golfer, previously announced in July that he hoped to travel to Doonbeg to watch the event. In a video message to the US Embassy’s Fourth of July celebration, he praised the location, describing it as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.
The visit has prompted significant security preparations, described by authorities as one of the largest in the state’s history. Protests are expected in both Dublin and Doonbeg, with thousands anticipated in the capital. However, President Connolly is not scheduled to be near the American Embassy during the visit.
President Connolly, known for her activism regarding Gaza and past criticisms of US tariff policies, faces pressure from Sinn Féin and other political parties to raise Middle Eastern issues during her meeting with the US president. Ireland has faced scrutiny from Israel over its pro-Palestinian stance within the European Union.
Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., are expected to accompany him to Doonbeg. The US president previously visited Ireland in 2019 and 2023, often spending time at his golf resort.
Imagine having a security detail this massive just for a round of golf. Irish roads must be exhausted!
I hope they actually discuss trade and immigration, not just golf. The protests will be loud, but so should the policy talks.