Key facts
- Ireland is preparing for U.S. President Donald Trump's visit for the Irish Open golf tournament at his resort in Doonbeg.
- The primary goals for Irish authorities are to keep protesters out of sight and ensure Trump's focus remains on the golf tournament.
- Security measures include an estimated 4,000 personnel, with 1,000 U.S. Secret Service agents operating anti-drone weaponry.
- Trump will meet with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly.
- President Connolly, a socialist politician, has previously criticized Trump and protested his first presidential visit.
- Thousands of left-wing protesters are expected to march in Dublin while Trump is in the country.
Ireland is preparing for the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump for the Irish Open golf tournament, scheduled to take place at his resort in Doonbeg on September 10, 2026. Authorities are focused on ensuring a smooth visit, aiming to keep protesters out of sight and Trump engaged with the golf event. A senior Irish government official stated the priority is a trouble-free passage for Trump, with smiling faces and nice pictures.
The visit, agreed upon during Taoiseach Micheál Martin's visit to the White House earlier in the year, has necessitated extensive security preparations. Trump is expected to fly into Dublin Airport and then be transported by helicopter to Phoenix Park, a large urban park that will be closed to the public from Thursday night to accommodate security needs. This arrangement avoids the initial U.S. government wish for a large-scale shutdown of central Dublin for a new embassy groundbreaking ceremony.
An estimated 4,000 security personnel, including 1,000 U.S. Secret Service agents equipped with anti-drone weaponry, will be deployed. Trump is scheduled to meet with Irish leaders at Phoenix Park before traveling to Doonbeg. The decision to host the Irish Open at Trump's resort has made the visit inevitable, with officials anticipating relief once it concludes.
Irish officials aim to reinforce the importance of U.S. companies to Ireland's economy and guarantee Trump a "hundred thousand welcomes." Trump will meet Ambassador Edward Walsh, President Catherine Connolly at her residence, and Taoiseach Martin at Farmleigh House. Concerns exist regarding Trump's encounter with President Connolly, a socialist politician who has previously criticized him. Unlike past U.S. presidential visits, Trump will not address the Irish parliament, with the weekend timing cited as an excuse.
Thousands of left-wing protesters are expected to demonstrate in Dublin and County Clare. However, locals in Doonbeg and the golfing community, including defending champion Rory McIlroy, have expressed admiration for Trump's role in revitalizing the local resort and enhancing the international profile of the tournament.